Burned by Lovel (Firefighters 0f Long Valley Book 4)

by Erin Wright

  “Thank you, everyone, for coming today,” the mayor said into the mic, the sound echoing through the large building via the sound system they’d paid stupidly good money to install. They had plans of playing music every Saturday during the open hours of the farmer’s market, and if they could swing it, even bring in some bands and hold a concert or two.

  One major event at a time, Penny.

  She focused on the mayor, only to realize that he was rambling on and on about how wonderful this new venue was…making it seem like he’d been an integral part every step of the way. She tried not to roll her eyes too hard. He was a typical politician – he didn’t want to be out in front in case an idea fell through, but once it was a clearly viable plan, he hurried to the front of the parade to make sure he received his due in helping bring it to fruition.

  She glanced over at Troy, who had the same bemused smile on his face as he attempted to politely listen to the mayor claim most of the credit for this idea coming together.

  Everyone here knows the truth.

  She didn’t know if her telepathic powers were up to snuff or not, but just in case, she’d repeat that truthitude to him that night as they got into bed. Because everyone in Long Valley did know the truth – this was the brainchild of Troy Horvath, and the product of many hundreds of hours of volunteer labor from the community.

  Finally, the mayor wound down his speech and received a light smattering of applause for his overblown bluster.

  “And now, I present to you, Troy Horvath!” the mayor said, gesturing for Troy to take centerstage. Troy kept his hand wrapped around Penny’s as they walked over together, the applause and whistles of encouragement almost a wall of sound coming straight at them. Troy’s mental telepathy skills seemed to be working just fine, and he was currently screaming, “DON’T LEAVE ME UP HERE!” nice and loud, straight at her.

  She squeezed his hand that had been burned by love. She wasn’t going anywhere.

  The mayor handed the mic over to Troy and reluctantly stepped off the dais. Troy did his best to smile at the crowd even as he was handed a mic that he handled much like he would a live snake. She squeezed his hand again.

  You’re gonna do great, babe. Just talk slow, think about what you’re gonna say, and you’ll make it through.

  Just in case her mental telepathy powers weren’t up to conveying such complex ideas, she changed it to mentally chanting I love you, I love you, I love you over and over again. Even her pathetic powers would be able to transmit that much, right?

  “Welcome to opening day of the Long Valley Business Co-op,” Troy rumbled into the microphone, and the crowd burst out into cheers again. Penny scanned the crowd, searching for her mom, finding her just a few feet back from the stage. She had burns all the way down the right side of her body and was now walking with a cane – a beautiful creation hand-carved by Iris Miller, of course – but as always, her spirit was unbreakable. When they caught gazes, her mom threw her a kiss and a wink.

  “It’s been a long time coming,” Troy continued, once the cheers died down. “Every one of the founding members of the co-op helped make this happen. When I say your name, please wave so everyone can see you. Carmelita Juarez. Iris Miller. Ivy Bishop. Kylie Whitaker. Tennessee Garrett.” Each woman waved, their husbands cheering the loudest for their spouses. “And of course, my Penny Roth. I couldn’t have done this without her. Which is why—” he took a deep breath and stared into her eyes, “I would like to ask her to be my wife.”

  The room as a whole gasped, sucking all of the air out, leaving none for Penny.

  At least, that’s how it felt to her.

  She stared at him as he dropped to one knee right there on the dais and pulled a ring box out, holding it up for her to see but she couldn’t see a damn thing from the tears filling her eyes.

  “Yes!” she shouted, and threw herself at him. Sparky, clearly delighted with this new game, came bounding over and was licking their faces, barking happily in agreement.

  The crowd was laughing and cheering but still, she knew Troy heard her when she whispered, “Always.”

  Author’s Note, Part 2

  This was an especially poignant book for me to write. As long-time readers of mine might recall based on other Author’s Notes, I tend to pick topics based on experiences that family members have gone through, and Burned by Love is no exception.

  I have a nephew who is in his early 20s who has been stuttering since he was a toddler. For the longest time, everyone just assumed that he’d grow out of it, since that’s a fairly common thing to happen. Unfortunately for my nephew, that isn’t the way the cookie crumbled. In fact, by time he got into high school and went to a special speech therapy company that specializes in stutterers, the doctor who runs the clinic told my sister that my nephew’s case is the worst he’s ever seen in over twenty years of working with people who stutter. His stutter is much, much, much worse than Troy’s.

  But if you look past the fact that there are only a couple dozen words that my nephew can say without stuttering (and sadly, no, his own name is not on that list) and focus on what he can do…well, that list is long.

  He has an artistic ability that just shines when he’s on the computer (much like Penny); he has a wicked sense of humor; he is incredibly intelligent; and he is a terrific listener. (I bet you didn’t see that coming! :-p)

  In fact, because of stuttering, he became everyone’s best friend (who doesn’t want a friend who listens to everything you have to say?!) and was voted Prom King his senior year. His high school classmates adored him, and for good reason. He has a wonderful, caring, loving heart. He’s tall (well over 6’2”), broad-shouldered, muscular, blond hair, blue eyes, handsome as sin…

  He just can’t talk, or at least not easily. I wanted to create a story where someone like him could be the hero.

  Growing up, I read romance novels under the covers with a flashlight, and I loved them all. Romance meant happily ever after. It meant kisses and love and two people who belonged together, no matter what.

  But the more I read, the more I felt like the people in them were just so unrealistic. Do you remember the violet eyes phase? It seemed like every romance novel I picked up there for a while had a heroine with violet eyes. Have you ever met someone in real life with honest-to-goodness purple eyes? I know I haven’t.

  But their waists were always tiny and their boobs were always big and their voices were like angels and the men were oh-so-perfect in every way…

  I eventually realized that I had nothing in common with any of them. When I started writing my own romance novels, I wanted to write about real people with real struggles. People who are so real, you can reach out and touch them…or at least feel like you could.

  Troy and Penny’s story is part of that. I wanted to show what it was like to be trapped inside of a body that sometimes betrays you. I wanted to show what it was like to be trapped in a world that you thought would kill you if you stayed in it one more moment, and then realize in the end that it’s all you’ve ever wanted.

  In other words, I wanted to show real life. I hope I succeeded.

  For anyone who is curious about stuttering, and specifically facts and info about how it afflicted B.B. King and Elvis in particular, you can check that out below:

  B.B. King’s story

  Elvis Presley’s story

  There’s a lot of info on that site about stuttering that you should check out if you’re wanting to know more. There are many more famous people who stutter who I didn’t even mention in the book (James Earl Jones, Marilyn Monroe, Marc Anthony, Joe Biden, Samuel L. Jackson…the list goes on. Here’s a list of famous people, including sports stars, actors, politicians, and businessmen and women. You’ll be amazed by the people you find on that list!)

  So, here’s to the real people of the world.

  Love and hugs to all,

  Erin Wright

  December, 2018

  A FREE Story For You…

  Enjoyed
Burned by Love? Not ready to quit reading yet? If you sign up for my newsletter at http://news.erinwright.net, you will receive Stampede of Love, the love story of Rex and Kimber, right away as my thank-you gift for choosing to hang out with me.

  Stampede of Love

  Eight seconds…

  That’s all Rex Kingsley wants. Eight seconds on the back of Bodacious, the most feared bull in the PBR. Two years ago, the massive bull threw him and stomped him into the sands of the Tulsa Rodeo in front of ten thousand spectators. Rex survived. Barely. Now his single goal is to conquer the bull touted as “unbeatable.” No bull rider has lasted eight seconds on Bodacious’ back for over five years. Rex aims to break that streak, and his lofty ambition leaves no room in his life for a woman.

  Until Kimber…

  Kimber Adams just wants to celebrate her birthday with friends. A few drinks. Maybe a spin on the dance floor. But when she falls into Rex’s arms, literally, her plans change. She and Rex share a night of passion but the handsome cowboy wants more. Kimber’s no stranger to the perils of bull riding, though. She makes it clear that Rex needs to choose between eight seconds on Bodacious…or a lifetime with her.

  Their love is young and fragile. Can it survive the dangers of a rodeo cowboy’s life?

  * * *

  Read on for a taste of Stampede…

  (Rex and Kimber have just met in a bar, and sparks are flying…)

  “I never caught your name,” he said, realizing that he couldn’t use her name if she hadn’t been the one to tell him. That was just stalkerish and weird.

  “Kimber, not Kimberly.”

  “Well, Kimber Not Kimberly, I’m Rex.”

  “Rex?” She eyeballed him. “Like T-Rex? Who names their child after a dinosaur? I thought I had a weird name…”

  “I will say, I’ve never heard of Kimber Not Kimberly.” She stuck her tongue out at him and he winked and grinned. “Rex is…it’s a nickname.”

  “And you’re not going to tell me your real name, are you.” It was a statement, not a question.

  “Not a chance,” he said with a grin.

  “If I guess it, will you tell me if I’m right or not?”

  “Not a chance,” he repeated, and grinned wider. She rolled her eyes and plowed ahead.

  Roger…

  Alonzo…

  Maurice…

  Crawford…

  “You did hear that I wouldn’t tell you even if you were right, right?” he asked, laughing, after she guessed Lesley.

  “But I thought I’d bat my baby blues at you and change your mind.” She batted her eyelashes in a mockery of a southern belle, and he laughed.

  “Turns out, I’m immune to baby blues.”

  “Well I’m just screwed…”

  * * *

  Stampede of Love is ONLY available by signing up for my newsletter – sign up for it here: http://news.erinwright.net

  The story doesn’t end…

  You’ve met a few people and have fallen in love…

  You’re probably wondering when and where you can meet everyone else. Here’s the list of books, current and to-be-released, in the Long Valley world:

  Accounting for Love – The bank’s threatening to foreclose on Stetson’s farm…and the auditor on the case is damn hot. Jennifer doesn’t mind a tough job, but handsome Stetson is trouble. And then came the night she had to spend on the farm. Can she find a way for him to save his farm? And if she can’t, will he ever forgive her?

  * * *

  Blizzard of Love – Luke never expects to end up spending Christmas at the Miller farm. Everyone knows he hates Christmas. But Bonnie adores Christmas, so when her best friend invites her to the Miller farm, she jumps at the chance. When a blizzard hits, sparks fly. Can the magic of mistletoe tear down the barriers between them?

  * * *

  Arrested by Love – When Wyatt Miller ended up in the Long Valley County Jail over Christmas, he never expected to receive the greatest gift of all: Love and forgiveness…from his jailer.

  * * *

  Returning for Love – If Declan could turn back time, the rugged cowboy would do things differently. For one, he would’ve never let go of Iris Blue McLain. Fifteen long and lonely years, and the ache in his heart is as painful as ever. When he sees her again, he can’t deny his feelings any longer, and vows to win the only woman he’s ever loved.

  * * *

  Christmas of Love – This December, Ivy wishes she could just skip all the festivities. Parties? No thanks. Getting together with family? Not even. Mistletoe? Let’s not go there. But everything changes when she meets a rugged cowboy with a slow, sexy smile. Austin’s kiss melts her heart, but can two people with painful secrets have a chance at happily ever after?

  * * *

  Overdue for Love – When Dawson left Arizona nine years ago, he never expected to see Chloe again. Until he runs into her at a diner in Sawyer, Idaho, and finds that she has a memento of their last meeting in tow…

  * * *

  Bundle of Love – Dr. Adam Whitaker, vet extraordinaire, has spent the last nine years helplessly in love with Chloe, and deserves his own happily ever after. Except, what if the love of his life comes with one condition…a baby?

  * * *

  Lessons in Love – Elijah hasn’t exactly made stellar choices in life, but the one thing he’s never regretted? His daughter, even if his ex-wife is doing all she can to keep them apart. In the midst of their custody battle, something unexpected happens: He begins to fall in love. Everyone knows your daughter’s elementary school teacher is off-limits, but someone forgot to tell Elijah’s heart…

  * * *

  Baked with Love – When Gage took over his grandparent’s bakery three years ago, love was the last thing on his mind. Despite the best efforts of his wanna-be-matchmaker sister, Emma, he was content to keep his nose to the grindstone, work his ass off, and make the bakery the success he knew it could be.

  That all changed the day the neighbor from hell bought the shop next to his and began remodeling, destroying Gage’s well-ordered life in the process. It really was too bad she was so damn gorgeous… [COMING FEBRUARY 2019]

  * * *

  Bloom of Love – Carla has always been a romantic; after all, she couldn’t run the flower shop in town, Happy Petals, if she didn’t believe in true love, right? But she also happens to be single, and she’d just about given up on love for herself when Christian comes into her life. For one brief, shining moment, she thinks she might be able to have her own happily ever after. But nothing worth having comes easily… [COMING JUNE 2019]

  * * *

  Stampede of Love – Rex the Bull Rider only wants one thing in life: To beat Bodacious, the most feared bull in the PBR. But when he meets Kimber, he has to make choice: Eight seconds…or a love of a lifetime.

  Bonus: Stampede of Love is available only to my mailing list. Sign up to receive it today: http://news.erinwright.net

  ~ Firefighters of Long Valley ~

  Flames of Love – Jaxson’s not interested in love, or the perils that come with it. His priority is caring for his two small boys, and being fire chief of Sawyer. Everything changes the day he catches sight of Sugar, the pretty girl with the fragile smile. He wants her all to himself, and preferably in his bed – a no-strings arrangement that won’t break what’s left of his heart. But love’s as unpredictable as fire…

  * * *

  Inferno of Love – Georgia has spent a lot of years – roughly 26 of them – pretending Moose wasn’t the finest man in town. For the record, she barely notices how his slow, sultry smile makes her knees weak, and always ignores the close fit of his faded jeans. But when she gets trapped in the flames of a wildfire out in the hills of Long Valley, Moose appears amidst the smoke, ready to walk through fire. For her…

  * * *

  Fire and Love – In every way that counts, Levi is the polar opposite of his best friend, Moose. Instead of coming from the richest family in Long Valley, Levi’s father is the town dru
nk, and his mother, sick of the beatings, took off when he was only two.

  Over time, he’d found a bit of stability when Moose’s family took him in, but life is never easy, and Levi quickly finds that coming from the wrong side of the tracks causes more than one problem in this sleepy town…

  * * *

  Burned by Love – Nephew of the former fire chief of Sawyer, Troy was happy when no one looked his way to take over after his uncle retired. Troy appreciates his solitude, and just being a part of the background makes it easy to guard his secrets.

  But secrets have a way of forcing themselves to the surface, no matter how hard one tries to hide them…

  ~ Music of Long Valley ~

  Strummin’ Up Love – Zane was on top of the world…until a car wreck took his wife’s life and left his son badly crippled. Late one night, he makes the rash decision that if he’s going to hide out somewhere and lick his wounds, it might as well be in Idaho. But when Nurse Louise comes strolling into his life, there to help his son recuperate, Zane quickly realizes his son isn’t the only one who needs her healing touch… [COMING APRIL 2019]