Released:
Nov. 6, 2015
Publisher:
Plato Publishing
Contemporary
Vintage Romance
Kathleen James is far too practical for her own good. But
on the most important night of her life, she gives way to romance and prepares
for an intimate dinner with the man of her dreams—and an engagement ring.
Unfortunately, the evening doesn’t end the way she envisioned.
Dominic Lawrence has planned this marriage proposal for
six months. Nothing can go wrong—until his Nonna calls from Italy. Now he must
interrupt the tenderest night of Katie’s life with the news that another woman
will be under their roof.
Nonna, a wartime
bride from the ‘40s, knows how precious love can be. Can her own love story of
an American soldier and a very special collie once again bring two hearts
together at Christmas?
Buy Links:
Amazon:http://amzn.to/1OTMBmL
iBooks http://apple.co/1N0XSSd
Goodreads:
As soon as it’s up for preorder.
About the Author
Award-winning author Aubrey Wynne resides in the Midwest
with her husband, dogs, horses, mule and barn cats. She is an elementary
teacher by trade, champion of children and animals by conscience, and author by
night. Obsessions include history, travel, trail riding and all things
Christmas.
Her short stories, Merry Christmas, Henry and Pete’s
Mighty Purty Privies received Best Short in the Preditors & Editors
Reader’s Choice of 2013 and 2014.
Aubrey’s latest holiday romance Dante’s Gift,
includes both a present day and WWII love story intertwined. It is included in
the box set Christmas Pets and Kisses and sold as a single. Her true love is
historical romance and Rolf’s Quest, the first in a medieval fantasy series,
will release in 2016. Sammi’s Serenade will debut in the box set Valentine’s
Pets and Kisses.
Website:
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Excerpt from present day romance:
The scent of turkey met her at Dom’s front door. For a moment, apprehension swept through her at the thought of helping in the kitchen. Then a handsome man stood before her, and she couldn’t wipe the foolish smile off her face. Instead of saying something stupid, she held out the wine.
“In a holiday bag, no less,”
Dom said, eyebrows raised. He stepped back to let her in, grabbed her hand, and
spun her around to face him. “You look stunning.”
“I just thought that the
burlap would give it extra protection if I dropped it, and they only seemed to
have holiday wine bags in stock and—”
One finger covered her
mouth. As his head slowly lowered, she could feel his breath on her face; heat
raced through her core. By the time their lips touched, her legs had turned to
jello; she clung to him for support.
Gently pushing her toward
the wall, he pressed his length against her and whispered, “I need to make you
mine, legally, before I lose all control. You have no idea the affect you have
on me, do you?”
“I think that is the most
romantic thing anyone has ever said to me,” she said breathless. “Kiss me like
that again… please?”
“I’d be happy to oblige if
you tell me that isn’t my grandmother standing in the doorway watching us.”
Katie looked over to see Antonia,
a wide grin on her face, and quickly pushed on the hard chest that pinned her
to the wall. She ran a hand through her hair as the blood rushed to her face.
“Oh Nico, such good Italian
blood in you. And not even any mistletoe out yet.” Antonia wiped her hands on
her apron and waved to the young couple. “Come now, we have work to do before
we play.”
The two followed her in like
reprimanded children who showed no remorse, holding hands and snickering. This
is silly but it feels so good. Katie accepted the apron and as she pulled
the straps behind her, strong hands covered hers.
“Let me,” he whispered in
her ear. “I’m good at tying knots.”
Excerpt from WWII romance:
The pilot with wheat-colored
hair put his elbows on the counter and leaned toward her. “I could buy thirty
loaves of bread at home for that much lettuce.”
“But you are not home,
soldier. You are here, in Benevento, and a sticky bun is 100 lire.” She meant
to be rude but his soft brown gaze made her heart race as if she’d just chased
Dante across the field. His smile went to his eyes, adding crinkles to the
corners, and made her own lips turn up. “The cost of supplies is very expensive
these days, as you know.”
“So I’ve heard. Give me
five,” he said with a wink. “Maybe I can sweet talk the captain into putting me
back into a plane.”
“Save your money, Ken. Your
ears obviously ain’t got any better in the last ten minutes,” he answered,
rubber-necking over the counter. “Get a load of that landing gear.”
Dante growled again but this
time showed sharp, white teeth. “I don’t think he likes you much, Bob.”
“Well I don’t care for him,
neither. Give me two of those, and we’ll get out of your hair.”
The men paid for the rolls
and walked outside. She headed into the kitchen when that quiet, deep voice
stopped her. “I’d like to apologize for my friend. He’s not a bad Joe once you
get to know him.”
“I don’t think I care to,”
she said without turning around.
“It looks like I may be
making regular trips through your town. Do you work here often?” His tone dripped
like honey from a ladle and poured over her; she felt her body turn toward him
even as her brain told her “no.”
“My family owns it. I am
here every day.”
“So your father is Guido?”
He had resumed his place at the counter, balanced on his elbows again, inviting
her back without a word.
She found herself leaning on
the counter from the other side. “How do you know my father?”
“The sign says Guido’s
Café.”
She laughed. “Yes, it does.
So you are no private eye, eh?”
He whistled then. “You’d
make Betty Grable green with envy when you smile. It makes those blue eyes
sparkle like a fresh-cut diamond. You should do that more often.”
Her eyes lowered,
embarrassed at the compliment and the image of the American pinup girl in a
bathing suit. “You should go catch up with your friends.”
“My name is Ken Lawrence,”
he said and held out his hand.
“Antonia Capriotti,” she
replied and took his hand. A tingle shot down her center and curled her toes.
“It is nice to meet you.”
“You’re blushing. Mmm,
beautiful and modest. That’s a rare find, you know.” He held firmly onto her
hand. “And who is this?”
She looked down at the
silent collie. He hadn’t made a noise when this man reached across the counter
and touched her. Odd. “Dante, our protector.”
“You need one, with mugs
like Bob.” He made a kissing noise in the dog’s direction and slapped the
counter. Dante jumped up, feet on the edge and barked. Ken reached over and
scratched the dog behind his ears. “Good boy, you look like my old Schotzie.”
“You have a dog?”
“I did. Old man hit fourteen
just before I left. Mom sent me his collar when he passed.”
“I’m sorry, they are just
like one of the family, si?”
“Yes they are,” he agreed,
giving Dante one more pat before he tipped his hat. “I hope to see you again
soon, Antonia.”
She hugged the collie as the
Yank left, a swagger to his walk. “What do you know that I don’t, hmm? I trust
your instincts better than mine. Perhaps we’ll consider more conversation with
this Americano if he returns.”
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