Today's Excerpt is from
Crime & Passion
Written by Chantel Rhondeau
Brandon grabbed her around the waist before she could turn.
“At least give me a proper kiss goodnight.”
Madeline shoved him away from her, irritated by his
aggression. She had known it was a bad idea to go out with him, but she’d been
upset to learn the truth about Donovan and made a rash decision.
“I’m sorry if
you expected more, but that’s not happening tonight.”
Footsteps sounded in the hallway behind her. At least the
little gossips would be able to spread around the fact that she didn’t let
every stray man into her apartment. Though apparently having Donovan there before
did enough damage to her reputation.
“Come on,” Brandon begged in a low voice. “Just one little
kiss?”
“I think you should leave,” she said. “Goodnight, Brandon.”
Suddenly, Madeline felt a presence behind her as someone loomed
over her shoulder. She knew who it was without looking. A delightful shiver
passed through her as the heat from his body pressing against her back elevated
her pulse.
“I think the lady wants you to leave,” Donovan said, his
breath puffing against her neck. “Looks like the date’s over.”
No matter what her betraying body wanted her to do, Madeline
refused to melt against Donovan. She stiffened her spine and turned the key in
the lock, opening the door and stepping inside. She looked at the two men
facing off against one another on her doorstep.
“Why are you here, Donovan?” she asked. “Did you have to
leave the restaurant because they didn’t have a sippy cup for your date?”
Brandon laughed. “I think you’re the one who’s not wanted
here.”
Donovan glared at Brandon. “I’m here on official business,
and I do believe Maddie asked you to leave.”
“My name is Madeline!”
Memories of her father came crashing in. He’d lovingly
called her Maddie McFatty her whole life, never knowing how much her weight
bothered her, or how it crushed her when he said that. She worked hard to lose
the extra weight once she reached adulthood, but the breakup with Cameron had
not been easy.
Her mom’s life theory was ‘chocolate cake solves all
problems.’ Madeline had solved her problems to the tune of twenty extra pounds
and only managed to work ten of those off so far. Did Donovan see a fat girl
when he looked at her?
Donovan was staring at her, and Madeline realized he had
spoken to her. “What did you say?”
“I need to talk to you about some things. Can I come in?”
Uncertainty gripped her. If he only wanted to scold her
again about her dating habits, she didn’t want to deal with that.
“It’s about the case,” he said when she hesitated.
“It’ll have to be quick.” Madeline stepped back and swept
her arm toward the living room, indicating he should go there.
“Wait,” Brandon protested. “He gets to come in?”
Donovan stepped past Madeline, a smirk on his face as he
headed for the living room.
A decorated police officer, more intent on justice than following the
letter of the law, lands in trouble when a gorgeous schoolteacher finds a
dead body on the beach.
Crime & Passion is part of the
Crime & Passion is part of the
When the oath to protect and serve tangles with love, expect sparks and lots of heat!
Hot firemen, alpha cops, sexy detectives, and dashing federal
agents...this anthology from 9 best-selling and award-winning authors
will have you rooting for your favorite heroes and heroines as they step
up to the greatest challenge of their lives--to protect and love.
To Protect And Love box Set
Officially releases on May 3rd!
Pre-order your copy today!
About the Author: Chantel Rhondeau
Bestselling Author Chantel Rhondeau once thought a mystery or
fantasy book with strong romantic themes was the highest level of reading
bliss. After reading her first romantic suspense, she never looked back. Chantel
is author of six romantic suspense novels, three Christmas novellas, a
sports-themed novella, and the McCallister’s Paradise contemporary
romance/family saga series. She lives in the western United States and when
she's not writing, she loves playing cards with her family, bowling on leagues,
and snuggling with her lazy kitties.
Want to contact Chantel?
Website: http://www.chantelrhondeau.com
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Thanks for sharing my excerpt! Can't believe our release day is so soon... Tomorrow!
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