**A Haunted Love by Dakota Star**
Good Morning,
Everyone! So thrilled to see you all today! I am thrilled to be able to share
more of this book with you today! Not too long ago I featured the cover reveal
for this book and now it is available for purchase! Yay! Please allow me to re-introduce
to the blog Dakota Star and her latest release, A HAUNTED LOVE … Plus, a
GIVEAWAY!
**DAKOTA STAR**
**BIO**
Dakota
Star lives in Connecticut with her husband and two daughters. Both her
daughters have finished college and moved away so her dogs, cats, and
retired horse now keep her busy. When not outside hiking or horseback riding,
she loves to read and travel.
She has worked as an editor, a freelance writer for local
newspapers, and an educator at local environmental non-profits
like aquariums and The National Audubon Society.
To
find out more about Ms. Star, please visit:
**A HAUNTED LOVE**
Publication
date:
August 14th, 2020
Genres:
Adult, Contemporary, Romance
**BLURB**
Ash detests Halloween. Three
years ago, her husband’s death during the same week left her scarred. Now, all
she desires is a simple, ordered life in the small town of Humble, Connecticut
and time with the cutest boy ever – her nephew. That becomes impossible
when her sister brings a handsome soldier, Cole, to her door. From the moment
they meet, Ash has a hard time ignoring his good looks and those intense
gray eyes that have seen enough war and heartbreak to fill a lifetime. What starts
as a mutual attraction and a romp in bed leads Ash to face her demons. War has
left Cole with more than just physical scars as well. But does
serendipity, a ghost, or something sinister have other plans for them? When
someone starts stalking Ash, Halloween turns to horror. Does Cole have what it
takes to incinerate Ash’s doubts and keep her safe?
**EXCERPT**
“Please stop
scrutinizing me that way.”
“What way?” His
head tilted, eyes never leaving hers.
“That sexy, smiley
way.” Ash’s insides fluttered.
“Whatever you
want,” Cole said but kept her gaze.
Color rose,
spraying her neck with red. “I’m wondering if this night doesn’t need something
stronger to end it with instead of the wine.”
“Which was great by
the way.” He rose from the table to help clear the few items left.
They moved into
the kitchen. “I’m not a huge hard liquor fan, but I have some left over from
the Halloween party. Let me see what there is.” She moved to the pantry and
returned with two tumblers of whiskey. “Why don’t we have these in the living
room?”
They settled on
the couch and Ash flicked up the end-table lamp switch, illuminating the room
with soft glow. Sitting side by side, she took a sip of whisky, relishing the
burn as it went down. A cozy warmth filled her.
He downed his
drink in one gulp and then shifted so their faces were only a few inches apart,
close proximity making her nervous and giddy. Again, her stomach flipped, urges
that she never thought she’d experience bubbling inside.
“I thought going
back into the Navy would make me happy, but I see other options now.”
“You do?” Her
voice turned soft and breathy.
“Yes. And one
option is sitting right next to me.”
“This is moving
too fast.” Ash moved back, squeezing against the couch cushions. “I think it’s
time to call it a night.”
“I’m sorry if I
misinterpreted the situation. I thought maybe...” He trailed off.
She studied him
and wondered how honest she should be. A sigh escaped as the truth emerged. It
must be the drink. “You’re right. I’m attracted to you, but it’s not that easy.
I lost my husband three years ago and I still miss him every day. I can’t do
this.” She couldn’t think of a way to clarify the situation further and hoped
he’d understand.
Remaining quiet,
his head tilted to the side, eyes trained on her. “I understand, but can I ask
you a question?”
She pushed a
strand of hair behind her ear and pulled her sweater cuffs over her fingers,
self-conscious of the way he studied her. “Okay.”
“You aren’t
allowed to have fun in bed anymore?” He smiled. “Have you left that part of
your life behind for good?”
She huffed at his
attempt to lighten the mood. “I don’t want an emotional attachment right now.
His death is still too fresh and raw.”
“It’s been three
years.” His hand caressed her knee. “Bonnie told me a little about the
situation.” He paused, appraising her. “Let’s take emotional attachments out of
the equation. I promise not to fall in love with you, if you promise the same.
I just got out of the service, and I’m not sure where my life is headed.”
He ran a hand over
his crewcut, skimming the short hair. “I could be back in the Navy in a few
months. I like you. You’re beautiful and fun to be around. You have a great dog
and really nice sister. How about we have some fun and leave it at that. We can
go a day, a week, a month. You decide that part.”
“I’m confused.”
He stood, grabbing
his jacket from the chair where she’d placed it when he arrived. “Think it
over.” He moved toward the door, but then returned to her, grabbing her hand,
pulling her off the couch and close to him.
Her head buzzed
and her stomach muscles clenched as he dropped a kiss on her cheek.
“I hope to see you
again soon.” His mouth caught hers as she was about to speak, making words
flee. Longing filled her as his lips pressed against her. It was coming home
and starting a new journey at once. Hunger filled her as his mouth demanded
more. His lips on hers made everything else bearable. She took a step closer as
he pulled away.
Ash stood dazed in
the living room even after she heard the screen door bang shut.
Buy Links
**GIVEAWAY**
Blitz-wide Giveaway (INT)
$20 Amazon Gift Card
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HAPPY READING!!!
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