These five short tropical romances, spanning from 1901 to the present day, will put you in the mood for sunshine and love.
Romancing the Tropics
Volume 2
with stories by Leah Miles, Sara J. Walker,
Vanessa Victoria Kilmer, Erika Kilmer Freidly, L.J. Green
Genre: Sweet Romance Anthology
These five short tropical romances, spanning from 1901 to the present day, will put you in the mood for sunshine and love. This collection offers sweet to edgy stories perfect for lazing on the beach or poolside.
Join these couples as they defy the
conventions and expectations of their worlds to embrace love’s fullest
connection with their happily ever after waiting to be discovered.
Here’s what's inside:
Not Another Jack by Leah Miles
Her final wedding gig takes an unexpected turn when a hunky Navy SEAL crashes the party, reigniting old flames and stirring new misunderstandings amidst the choppy seas of love.
EXCERPT
Excerpt #1:
The men topped the stairs, and even if she
hadn’t been wearing five-inch heels, Rose would’ve seen him. Several inches
above six feet, with a smooth-shaven head and linebacker shoulders, Jack
towered over the other guys.
The air whooshed out of Rose’s lungs, and her
heart knocked against her ribs in a staccato beat. “I thought he was deployed
with his SEAL team?” she stuttered. He was the absolute last person she’d
expected to see here.
“I’m not sure what happened. I’m grateful,
though. Ty didn’t want anyone else to be his best man.” Cassie beamed.
The crowd shifted, and Rose got a clear view of
him. How’s this happening? She took a too-large gulp of her margarita.
Mia put
a hand on her arm. “You okay? All the color drained out of your face.”
Rose forced a laugh, though it sounded brittle
to her ears, and set the half-empty champagne flute on a nearby table. “Sorry,
I’m drained—must be jet lag.” She avoided Cassie’s probing gaze, focusing on
the half-melted ice cubes in her margarita.
Rachel joined their trio. “Hi, Rose. I didn’t
see you come onboard.”
“Long time no see,” Rose said. “Cass said
you’re painting the wedding. I’m impressed.”
“Uh-huh.” Rachel nodded, but her attention was
elsewhere. “Oh my gosh, is that Jack Tanner? I thought he was deployed with his
team.”
“Join the club.” Rose’s mind was a whirlpool of
emotions. Jack was the one variable in her life’s equation that refused to
settle into a simple solution. She was in love with him—pathetic since they’d
only been together a few weeks last year, and he’d broken things off.
“It looks like fate has a sense of humor.”
Rachel nudged her. In a stage whisper, she said, “It could be a sign.”
A sign of what? Mistakes I shouldn’t repeat?
“I’m not sure what you mean.” Rose gripped her
glass as Jack drifted closer, greeting everyone. She’d have to pretend he
hadn’t broken her heart all week. Her friends engaged in animated
conversations. Meanwhile, she tried to breathe and hang onto her dignity amidst
the thrum of music and chatter.
The Gardener’s Secret by Sara J. Walker
In the tranquil beauty of the Keys, love and deception collide. Will their journey lead to healing or heartbreak?
EXCERPT
Cort Spears stood and stretched his back. He’d been crouched down, pulling weeds around the butterfly garden for the last two hours. It’d been years since he’d done outside manual labor, and even though his Isamerada Island Resort shirt was loose, breathable cotton, he was roasting in the summer heat.
And this was only his fourth day as a gardener at the resort.
The sparkling blue ocean beyond the edge of the resort lawn looked cool and refreshing, and only a few families dotted the wide beach. The pools were fine, but he preferred walking in the waves with soft sand under his bare feet. Maybe he’d walk in the surf later, after supper.
A woman in shorts and a t-shirt sat on a towel in the grass about twenty feet from him. She was in profile, her knees drawn to her chest, and her face looked sad. Without thinking, he pulled off his work gloves and approached her.
So as not to startle her, he crouched a few feet away and spoke softly. “Are you alright?”
Her head swiveled toward him, and her brown eyes were huge. “What?” She scrambled to her feet and snatched up the towel. “No, I’m not. But it has nothing to do with you, so please go away.”
He stood and tucked his hands in his pockets. Something seemed familiar about this woman, but he knew he’d never seen her before. “I was just thinking what a beautiful day it is and thought walking on the beach would be nice. Would you care to join me?”
“Don’t you have to work?” she said crossly, keeping her face averted as she scooped up a leather handbag and hopped on one foot at a time to slide on worn sandals.
He suspected there were tears in her eyes she didn't want him to see. The last thing he needed was another project right now when he was trying to figure out what was happening with the finances at this resort, but he couldn’t resist. “I’m due for a break. Would you care for a short walk?”
She arched a brow and pointedly looked over toward the butterfly garden boxes. He followed her gaze and saw Manuel was still working.
Cort frowned, unused to having someone question him, but then he was currently posing as an employee. “I can take a break,” he murmured.
“Thank you, no.” She hotfooted it toward the resort entrance without a glance backward.
“Well, that’s interesting,” he said. Women usually fell all over themselves to get and keep his attention—or, more specifically, his money. Of course, he wasn’t usually dressed as a gardener.
Catch As Catch Can by Vanessa Victoria Kilmer
A private investigator is out to find an online hacker of billions of dollars. Will she catch the thief or find someone even more valuable on Grand Cayman Island?
EXCERPT
Get a grip. I’ve got practical matters to attend to.
She cleared her throat.
“There’s my phone, laptop,
wallet with credit cards, cash, passport, and clothes.” She laughed nervously.
“You know, the things we can’t live without. My assistant will provide a
detailed list. She already shut down my electronics and credit card accounts,
but my cell and computer were off when she checked, and the cards hadn’t been
used.”
“Can she get a last
location on your cell phone?”
Rachel noticed his long
limbs.
He must be tall. It’s my job to notice these things. It’s
not because he’s eye candy. Really, it’s not.
“She’ll have that shortly.
She’s also in contact with the U.S. Consular Agency and has sent them a
completed DS-64 and DS-11 to get my passport replaced.”
“Your assistant is quite
efficient.”
“She’s the best. She even
offered to shop for clothes and have them shipped here for me.”
“Dedicated.”
“We’re like sisters, but
she planned to be on vacation, too. So, I don’t want her to spend more time
than necessary on this.”
Detective Bikadi nodded.
“The doctor has cleared you for release. Can I give you a lift to your hotel?
You’re staying at the Ritz-Carlton on Seven Mile Beach.”
He already knew which hotel
she booked.
“I can have the hotel send
a car or get a taxi.”
“The choice is yours, of
course.” His eyes focused on hers again. “You’ve been through a lot already,
and I thought you might prefer not to wait here any longer than necessary.”
She shivered. His formal
speech patterns gave her a spell of déjà vu.
“Thanks.” She stood with a
wobble.
He held out his large hand
to her, an offer of support.
She took it and watched his
fingers curl around hers.
“Go slowly.” Detective
Bikadi guided her to a wheelchair.
“I don’t need that.” She
chuckled, brushing her dark hair out of her face with her free hand.
He still held her, firm,
yet gentle, almost tender. His touch brought up feelings she hadn’t experienced
in years. She couldn’t meet his eyes as she pulled her hand from his. A nurse
gave her a neon pink scrunchie which Rachel used to bind her hair.
Granted, he’s hot—just my type physically, with his
naturally brown skin kissed rosy by the tropical sun, his long black hair, and
bottomless brown eyes. But the butterflies in my stomach, the tingling under my
skin, and all my pleasure points surprise me.
She shook her head and blinked. “I can walk.”
“You know they won’t let
you get to the door under your own power. And chauffeuring you will soothe my
macho feelings.” He grinned.
The dimples on each side of
his luscious lips sent Cupid’s arrow to her heart.
Oh, boy. I’m in a basketful of trouble.
Where Trade Winds Meet by L.J. Green
This story captures the blossoming connection between William and Muriel as they bond over their shared dreams of exploration and adventure, defying societal expectations and forging a deep, resolute bond in the vibrant setting of Key West, Florida in 1910.
Proceeds benefit the First Coast Romance
Writers, an independent non-profit organization that helps writers hone their
craft and expand their knowledge of the publishing industry.
EXCERPT
First Chance Meeting
As the trolley neared
its next stop, the spell of their encounter waned, giving way to the reality of
their separate lives. William offered a polite nod, a gesture that belied the
significance of their meeting. "Perhaps I'll see you around, Miss."
"Perhaps,"
Muriel responded the word lingering like the aftertaste of a bittersweet
chocolate.
With a final glance that
held the weight of uncharted futures, William stepped off the trolley and onto
the bustling sidewalk, disappearing into the throng of townsfolk and tourists.
Muriel watched his retreating form, her heart hitching at the thought of all
the 'perhaps' ahead.
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Book Links:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0D32MN3KY
Apple: https://books.apple.com/us/book/romancing-the-tropics-volume-two/id6501969423
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/romancing-the-tropics-volume-two
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1558855
Books2Read: https://books2read.com/u/4EzBjA
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/romancing-the-tropics-volume-two-by-l-j-green-and-erika-kilmer-freidly
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/212394603-romancing-the-tropics-volume-two
Book Trailer:
About the Authors
The authors participating in this anthology
are members of First Coast Romance Writers (FCRW), and proceeds from this
anthology benefit their organization. FCRW is a non-profit that welcomes both
published and unpublished authors, as well as any individuals involved in
writing and publishing. The chapter is dedicated to promoting excellence in
romantic fiction through monthly meetings and workshops in a comfortable forum.
They strive to help writers establish careers by providing innovative programs,
networking opportunities and pertinent information on effective marketing
techniques. Learn more about FCRW online at https://www.firstcoastromancewriters.com
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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FirstCoastRomanceWriters
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TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@firstcoastromancewriters
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Thanks for posting!
ReplyDeleteThe excerpts sound good. I would enjoy this anthology.
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