What to Read After FSOG: The Gemstone Collection (WTRAFSOG Book 9)

by Kristine Cayne

  Tears fell from her eyes. She couldn’t contain her emotions. Words formed in her throat but she had a hard time getting them out at first. Finally, she burst out. “Yes! Yes, absolutely!”

  With another round of cheers, Randy slid the ring on her finger, then shot to his feet and swept her into his arms.

  “Kiss your dance partner!” Madison and Frank yelled.

  Staring in her fiancé’s eyes, Blaine giggled. “I think we’re being baited again.”

  A twinkle lit up his eyes. “Let’s give them what they want.” He moved closer, cupped her face, and gave her another smoldering kiss. “I love you forever.”

  She knew it to be true. “I love you too.” Engaged! A real engagement. A real love. She held up her hand, starting in awe at the ring. “So this is where you went this morning?”

  He nodded. “Yes ma’am. I went to pick up your ring. Sneaky, aren’t I?”

  Blaine kissed him again. “A good kind of sneak!”

  “Now that’s a way to end a dance!” Blaine heard her mom shout out.

  With a laugh, Blaine and Randy left the dance floor. “I retract my earlier statement. I said I couldn’t ask for anything better? Well, you topped it.” Before Randy could say anything, her mom ran over to wrap Blaine up in a hug.

  “I guess you and I share something in common today.” Mom sounded nervous. “Congratulations, Blaine. I knew you and Randy would get to this point someday. Randy, welcome to the family.”

  “What do you mean?” Blaine asked.

  Mom held up her left hand.

  Blaine noticed a ring right away. “Chet proposed?”

  Mom nodded, tears in her eyes. “Last night. I hope you’ll be okay with it.”

  “I’m so happy for you!” She squealed, hugging her again. “I want you to be happy, and I think Chet is good for you.” It seemed everyone around her was getting their moment to shine. Blaine was glad to be a part of it this time around.

  “I guess you were right to leave the studio to me if you left Harmony’s Echo.” Serena winked, passing by Blaine. “By the looks of it, when Randy and the rest of the band goes to Nashville, you’ll be right there along with them.”

  Blaine hugged Randy. “Someone has to keep him on his toes.” She laughed.

  “You definitely do.” He bent to kiss her again. “I’ll have to move now. The piano awaits. The show must go on. I love you, my soon-to-be bride.”

  Together, Blaine and Serena introduced the dancers to the audience. She beamed with pride as each performance went on. She’d rediscovered her passion, found true love and finally belonged. She’d ask if it could get better than this, but the last time she did, Randy showed her that it could.

  She’d just have to wait and see what came next.

  Look for more Love and Music in Texas in book four. Fallen Idol features a teen sensation trying to make a comeback. She connects with the Baby Stetson band and they end up helping each other achieve a common goal and dream: Music. Get to know Randy’s cousin Matt a little better as music enters his life once again in the form of a fallen idol.

  About the Author

  I’m an avid lover of books. I’ve been writing as far back as I can remember, completing my first “book” by fifth grade in one of those one subject spiral notebooks. I have a passion for music, photography, jewelry and all things creative. I live in Arizona with my husband and son, but dream of being somewhere much colder and stormier. For now, I’ll have to live that life through my characters and stick it out with the summer heat.

  Places to find me on the web:

  www.nikkilynnbarrett.com

  Facebook:

  www.facebook.com/NikkiLynnBarrettauthor

  Facebook Chat group: Nikki’s Book Nook

  www.facebook.com/groups/NikkisBookNook

  Facebook Chat group: Nikki’s Book Stormers

  www.facebook.com/groups/NikkisBookStormers

  Twitter:

  @Stormgoddess925

  Goodreads:

  www.goodreads.com/author/show/6583655.Nikki_Lynn_Barrett

  Email:

  nikkilynnbarrett@yahoo.com

  I love to hear from readers!

  A Masterpiece of Our Love

  Nikki Lynn Barrett

  Thanks for reading The Key To My Heart. If you liked this story, feel free to enjoy this excerpt from the first book in my Masterpiece trilogy. This is A Masterpiece of Our Love.

  Blurb:

  Two Lives Torn by tragedy.

  Eight-year-old Becca and twelve-year-old Hunter cling to each other and life after surviving a plane crash which stole their families.

  Two Souls Seeking Love.

  Each year, from the time she was old enough to travel on her own, Becca met up with Hunter on the island that altered their lives forever.

  Until he stopped showing.

  Her constant. Her link to the past. Gone in the blink of an eye.

  Two Lives Bound by Secret.

  Suffering more heartbreak, Hunter returns to the one place he’s always sought comfort, the island where he and Becca met. It was the place that stole from him, and in the same instance gave to him. He hasn’t been back or spoken to Becca in four years.

  Though he’s sure she must hate him for disappearing, Hunter discovers the girl gone, now a woman in her place. Hunter is determined to prove to Becca he isn’t the same twelve-year-old boy of yesteryear.

  But someone isn’t happy about their reunion…

  Strange things begin happening. Letters start showing up in their hotel rooms and at home with cryptic messages.

  Two Broken Hearts Heal as One.

  With the mystery unsolved, Hunter convinces Becca to spend the remainder of the summer back home with him, both for safety and to give them a chance to discover the adults they’ve now become.

  Will love get a chance to blossom, or will the past come back and tear the masterpiece of their love apart once and for all?

  Excerpt:

  He couldn’t fall asleep. He was cold, in pain and time was running out. How many days had passed already? They were running out of options. There were only so many fruits they could eat from the trees before it wasn’t enough. Becca’s injuries needed to be looked at. She couldn’t walk and he wasn’t sure if he should have pulled that damn thing out of her leg or not. He had no idea what was right or wrong here. He just knew they needed to be found. Poor kid cried for her family at night, shouting and thrashing until Hunter crawled over to her and woke her up. They needed real shelter, food, blankets and dry clothes. There was nothing here on this little spot of land. They’d found a place to hide out from the weather in a small rock formation that had an opening, but it wasn’t enough. A few hours ago, as Hunter was cleaning off in the ocean, the body of the pilot came ashore. At least, that’s who it looked like. Didn’t bodies sink? He’d turned around, puking up all of his lunch before staggering away to get back to Becca.

  What would happen to her after they were found? She told him she had no other family. Neither did he, but he could handle it. He’d be a man. Becca was a little girl who would need her mom, long for the affection from her dad, and need to be able to laugh and have fun with her sister.

  That plane crash tore all that away from her. Maybe he could convince whoever would be finding them new families to let them stay together. She knew him, so it might be easier if she had someone.

  If they were found.

  Damn it! He had to stop thinking of if and get back to thinking when. Eventually little Becca would fear that they wouldn’t be found. He needed to give her hope. She needed something to gasp on to.

  She’d been having a hard time talking. She would stutter or sometimes not be able to say anything at all. If they were to stand a chance, they both would need to be found.

  He wasn’t sure where it came from, but water splashed all around him. Hunter sputtered, reaching for Becca. “No! Stay above the water!” he shouted. This made no sense. They were on land. There shouldn’t be this much water
. All he knew was that he had to get to Becca and keep her safe.

  “No!”

  Something was wrong with Hunter. He’d spaced out again on the ride and then when they came in for the landing and hit the water, he freaked, splashing and yelling. He sounded fearful. She understood nightmares, but this was during the day and he was awake! What happened?

  The instructors pulled them in quick, obviously noticing Hunter’s flailing and yelling. Becca had unstrapped herself the moment their feet touched the boat and she reached for Hunter. He trembled. His eyes were open and he had a hollow look. The guys beside her asked a ton of questions, but Becca told them to back off. She unhooked all the straps keeping Hunter in, then reached to pull him into her arms. Her heart raced as she tried to calm him. “Hunter! Snap out of it. It’s okay. I’m here.” She ran her fingers through his wet hair, hoping he’d talk to her soon. What was that all about? She wanted to understand. She ignored the worried and strange stares from the other passengers as she focused on Hunter. He’d stopped trembling and after a few seconds he pulled away, his face red and sweaty. His eyes were full of terror. He breathed heavily as if he’d just come back from a run.

  “I – I’m sorry. I don’t know what came over me,” he said quietly, looking from Becca to the others. Hunter blinked and shook his head.

  “You okay there, man?” the one who’d given them instructions earlier asked, his eyes narrowed as he kept watching Hunter.

  “Yeah, yeah. I’m good.” Hunter brushed it off, then faced Becca again. “How did you feel?”

  He was avoiding questions, but she was not about to let this go easily. She would find out later just what in the world happened, when they were alone and he hopefully would feel more comfortable talking.

  “It was fantastic! I did exactly what you said. I closed my eyes, kicked my legs and let myself believe I was on a swing. It took away the fear right away. Then I checked out the view and it stole my breath.”

  He leaned over and gave her a peck on the cheek. “See, I knew you’d be okay.” He shot her a smile, but his eyes were still troubled.

  As they headed for the dock, Hunter went quiet. He avoided looking at anyone and just stared out at the water. Becca squeezed his hand, but he didn’t respond. Her heart sank. What happened to him? He’d spaced out, then freaked. That wasn’t like him.

  The Secret Santa Wishing Well

  Nikki Lynn Barrett

  If you enjoy holiday stories, here is an excerpt from my first book, The Secret Santa Wishing Well.

  Blurb:

  The magic of Christmas has been lost to Jacob Winston. At the suggestion of his ill sister, Jacob takes a job as a Secret Santa at the mall, hoping to restore his Christmas spirit. Even that doesn’t seem to work, until a special little boy ambles up to make a very special wish…

  Cheyenne Jensen is struggling to raise her two kids without the help of her ex-husband who refuses to acknowledge his daughter’s existence and doesn’t provide for the son he does. This Christmas is shaping up to be as heartbreaking as the last, until her son Ben’s kind actions lead a stranger to them.

  Ah, but it’s Christmas time and the magic has begun.

  When Jacob and Cheyenne meet, neither can deny their immediate attraction to one another. As situations arise that require they spend more time together, their feelings grow stronger and stronger.

  With Christmas fast approaching, the pair learn what matters most in life. Now, if only they could ditch the ghost of Christmases past.

  Maybe this holiday will bring some wishes come true – for everyone after all.

  Excerpt:

  A pull on his Santa suit drew his attention. He looked down, right into the round face of a child with wide blue eyes.

  “Hello there. Where’s your mommy, bud?” Jacob asked, speaking softly to the boy, who looked a little confused and frightened. But his eyes were also full of wonder as he stared up at Jacob.

  “Are you the real Santa?” He finally asked.

  Jacob let out a hearty laugh. “No, I am just a helper. But I do know Santa. I bet, if you tell me your name, then make a wish in Santa’s secret wishing well, Santa will do everything in his power to make it come true.” The boy’s eyes widened even more, and it brought a smile to Jacob’s face.

  “Really? I can make a wish?” Dimples sprouted in the boy’s cheeks, his smile grew.

  Jacob longed for the excitement the boy felt.

  “I think we can arrange that.” Jacob reached into his pocket and pulled out a shiny penny. He pegged the kid for one who liked cars or trucks. Maybe a bike.

  The boy reached for the penny, hesitant. He didn’t look much older than five. Where the hell were his parents? Who in their right mind would allow a child this age to roam around the mall freely, especially when there were so many people out and about. If someone didn’t show up soon, he could have to take him to security and have them find his parents.

  “What’s your name?” Jacob asked, after the boy took the penny and clutched it in his hand. “We want to make sure Santa knows exactly who you are. That way he can get your wish.”

  “My name is Ben,” the young boy said.

  “Are you ready to make that wish?”

  He nodded eagerly, closed his eyes and thought for a moment before tossing the penny in. It made a tiny splash before settling at the bottom next to some quarters. He turned to Jacob, a tear running down his cheek.

  What was this? Jacob knelt down to be eye level with him. “Why the tear, bud?”

  Ben sniffled. “I just hope my wish comes true. My mommy needs it.” He swiped the tear away, then stuffed his hand in his pants pocket. A puppy dog expression crossed his face.

  “You made a wish for your mommy?” Okay, that’s not what he expected. No expensive toy, not even a computer or Playstation game that was popular this year? Jacob closed his eyes for a second. My mommy needs it.

  Damn. His heart went out to Ben as a picture of Ada’s kids filled his mind. He didn’t have to wonder what their Christmas wish would be. Despite himself, Jacob had to ask. “What does your mommy need?”

  The little guy shook his head. “If I tell it won’t come true. Will it?” Tears filled his eyes. “Mister Helper, if I come back and wish again, would that help?”

  Jacob didn’t know what to say. He stared at the child, wanting to give him a hug. “Well, I don’t see how another wish could hurt. So, yeah, it might help. Sometimes the hope from wishing is all we have.” Hell, he scratched under his fake beard. He didn’t know if he was trying to console the kid or himself.

  The boy’s brows furrowed, His head bobbed up and down. “That’s what I thought. Mommy’s always so tired and my daddy doesn’t love –”

  “Benjamin William Jensen! I thought I told you not to run off! I was so worried!”

  The Opposite of Wild

  Kylie Gilmore

  If you are a fan of humorous contemporary romances, enjoy a sneak peek of Kylie Gilmore’s The Opposite of Wild.

  Blurb:

  Unleash the wild woman…?

  Ex-cop Ryan O’Hare takes one look at buttoned-up control freak Liz Garner and just itches to loosen the woman up. Not that he’s into her. Because a woman like that comes with way too many expectations. Not to mention, she practically works for him, and he didn’t hire Liz to watch after his beloved Harley-stealing Gran so he could turn Liz loose in his bed. Still, there’s something about her, a hidden wild side, that makes him wonder what it would take.

  Liz must be crazy to work for the insensitive, arrogant, horribly…hot man she’s avoided for years. Unfortunately, she needs the money and Ryan’s grandmother needs a keeper. (Midnight tango lessons and ziplines with Gran, anyone?) Ryan’s rare smile and swaggering confidence have Liz torn between throwing her favorite pinot grigio at his head or throwing herself at him. Can this control freak find a way to let loose with the tough, no-strings guy who once broke her heart?

  Excerpt:

  Ryan just stood there, his sh
arp eyes studying her. “You’re a puzzle, Liz.”

  “I am?”

  He reached out and smoothed a lock of hair behind her ear, and her heart caught in her throat at the gentle gesture. “You seem so … uptight,” he said. She stiffened and took a step back. “But I know you were checking me out when I was mowing.”

  She flushed, but rallied quickly. “I was only bringing you water.” She crossed her arms and said primly, “You surprised me when you dumped the water on your head. I was merely looking to see if you were going to do any other … surprising things.”

  His lips twitched. “You’re like a librarian just waiting to let loose.”

  “Is that supposed to be a compliment?” She bristled, hands on her hips.

  “There it is.” He smiled and stepped close, crowding her space. She drew in a quick breath, but held her ground. “The puzzle-fire and ice.”

  She put both hands on his solid chest and pushed him out the door. “Next time, mail it.” She shut the door in his face, turned and leaned against it. “Urgh!”

  “That’s what I’m talking about,” he said through the door.

  She ripped open the door. “Go away.”

  His head cocked to the side while he bit back a smile. “Is that any way to talk to your employer?”

  “Gah!” She slammed the door and locked it. She heard his low laugh as he walked away.

  Links:

  Amazon