The day a new book launches into the world is always joyous—and bittersweet. For the past few months, I’ve been living in Jesse and Gemma’s world, my heart beating along with theirs as they fight through fears and false beliefs toward a love for the ages. Any author will tell you that our characters come to feel like family members.

And now, my imaginary darlings have flown the nest, hoping to find the readers who’ll love and support them. And here I sit in my messy office, nibbling my nails and hoping you’ll adore their sweet, funny, angsty, steamy love story and the stories to come in this series. (The next one is just as good, if not better!)

Excerpt:

In this early scene, Gemma makes her first visit to the greenhouse where Jesse grows organic herbs. She hopes a partnership between his farm and her Aunt Zora’s metaphysical shop will benefit both businesses, but Jesse is deeply skeptical of all things woo-woo. Gemma explains that Trappers Cove, Washington is one of the many places she calls home. Who needs to settle down in just one spot? Certainly not a vagabond soul like Gemma.

Jesse snorted.

Indignant, she glared up at him. “What’s that’s about?”

“Pretty hard to grow if you’re afraid to sink roots.”

Her spine stiffened. “Who says I’m afraid? Maybe people who stay put all the time are terrified to stretch their wings and fly.”

Jesse didn’t flinch. “I don’t have wings, princess. I’m just a man, walking on the ground.” He patted a planter box. “This is my home. I like it here.”

    Argh! His placid expression made her want to poke him harder. “Don’t you crave a change of scenery sometimes?”

“Sure, travel’s nice, but this place takes my constant attention.” Moving to the translucent wall, he fiddled with a timer attached to a spigot.

She heard Zora’s voice urging her to let Jesse be, but she couldn’t help herself. “You could hire helpers.”

He snorted again. “Gotta start earning a profit first. Besides, I can’t stand to be away for long. I’d worry too much.” He lifted one shoulder. “Gramps always said it takes all kinds to make the world go ‘round. Your type will never understand my type, I guess.”

His comment stung like nettles. Had she been unfair to Jesse? She’d never get what she wanted by antagonizing him.

She blew out a breath and turned back to the plants. “Okay if I take some photos to help me remember which herbs we can use for Zora’s shop?”

“Be my guest. All the herbs are in this greenhouse. The others hold ornamental plants and spring bulbs.”

Forcing her gaze away from the frustrating farmer, she wandered the gravel aisles between planters, snapping photos and taking notes. After a few silent minutes, her restraint crumbled.

“Vervain protects against the evil eye, you know.”

“Uh huh,” he intoned in a flat voice.

“And catnip aids divination.”

“You don’t say.”

So much for conversation. Moving farther away, she snuck glances at him as he worked. When he bent over a low planter, his shirt rode up, baring a swath of muscular back. She nearly swooned.

    Get ahold of yourself. This guy isn’t for you. He’d basically warned her off, anyway, and as enchanting as this place was, she could never be happy rooting herself to one spot, even one as dear to her as Trappers Cove. If she wanted another man—which, at the moment, she did not, thank you very much—she’d find a free spirit like herself, not a stodgy farmer.

Backing up to take a photo, she bonked into a solid wall of muscly male, then sprang back like a startled cat. “Sorry. Clumsy of me.”

“My fault.” He pulled a bandana from his shirt pocket and wiped his face and—oh Goddess!—rolled up his sleeves to display muscular forearms dusted with dark hair.

Her tongue thickened in her mouth.

Jesse inclined his head. “Let me show you the mint bed. You said Zora wanted to make tea.” He led her to a low bed brimming with different varieties.

“This one’s my favorite. Chocolate mint.” He plucked a sprig and held it to her nose. As she took it, their hands brushed, and her whole body tingled in response. His deep, rumbly voice continued, but his words got lost in the horny haze enveloping her.

“Gemma?” He gently squeezed her shoulder. “You okay?”

“Fine. Fine. I’m fine.” She giggled nervously. “Just a little off balance. Guess I should’ve eaten something before coming out here.”

The faintest hint of a smile played across his lips. “Come into the house. I got you up this early. Least I can do is give you breakfast.”

“No, no, I—”

“Listen.” His grin widened. “I need a break too. I’ve got zucchini muffins and my grandma’s special winter tea. It’ll warm you right up.”

Go ahead, make my day!

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