Last week’s new release, Through the Red Door, edition 2, was originally my first published romance. Y’all, back in 2018 I was a baby romance writer and didn’t know how unpopular the romance triangle trope is. And yet, some readers love it!
And yeah, I know that menage romance is a thing. It’s a lovely fantasy, and I might even write one someday. But that’s not what this story is at its heart. Like most of us in real life, Clara is not made to share her heart with two guys at once. She has to decide, and because both men are wonderful in their own way, that decision is agonizing.
This new edition both polishes the rough edges of Clara’s dilemma and dives deeper into her relationship with each contender for her heart. And if you’re on the fence, let me reassure you that the guy who doesn’t win Clara’s heart goes on to find his HEA in book 2. Hope that helps!
Here’s a scene where Clara’s conscience refuses to let her go any further with either guy until she comes clean.
A little past four, the doorbell tinkles, and Dalton strides in, waving a check. He grins at his cousin, then at me. “Our school librarian hunted up some extra funds. Got any more ancient history books?”
His wide smile eases a bit of the tension off my shoulders. He looks so cute in his red North Eugene H.S. Highlanders polo shirt, jeans, and gigantic Nikes. Though a few silver strands glisten in his short, golden beard, Dalton beams happy, youthful energy—something I desperately need right now.
“Let’s see what we can find.”
He follows me to the history aisle and reaches above my head to pull a volume from the top shelf. “African Mythology Illustrated. Perfect.”
“Glad to help.” I try to match his cheerful tone, but my reply comes out flat.
Dalton’s pale brows scrunch together. “Clara, what’s wrong?”
“Business troubles,” I grumble, avoiding his eyes. He’s so nice, so open and easy-going, and last night I kissed Nick. Hell, “kiss” isn’t a strong enough word for what we shared. Nick’s mouth on mine melted my bones and filled my mind with stars.
Dalton sets the book down and gently grasps my shoulders, turning me to face him. “Is that all?” I’ll bet his students confess to all kinds of mischief under that patient, steady stare.
“Well, no.” Reluctantly, I gaze up into his pale blue eyes. They radiate kind concern, which makes me feel even more guilty. “Dalton, I have to tell you, I’m sort of seeing someone else.”
He flinches backward. “Sort of?”
I flap my hand. “We have a date on Saturday. I don’t know if anything will come of it, but it’s only fair to let you know.”
Scowling, he drops his grip on my shoulders and strides away, pivots, and paces back toward me. Then away, then back again. He opens his mouth as if to speak, then snaps it shut.
My chest constricts at the thought of hurting this sweet man who’s been nothing but kind to me. Should I have kept my date with Nick a secret? No, telling Dalton was the honorable thing to do.
Finally, he plants himself in front of me, folds his arms, and leans his rangy body against the bookshelf. “So, you’ve decided on him?”
“Well, no, I haven’t decided anything.”
He passes his hand over his face, covering his wide mouth. His forehead rumples, and his gaze lands somewhere far away. When he drops his hand, his expression is relaxed, almost unconcerned.
“Okay. Thanks for telling me. So, we’re still on for tomorrow?”
I blink in surprise. “You still want to?”
His crooked smile reappears. He steps closer and studies me for a long moment.
“Clara, you’re lovely. And funny. And kind. I’m not surprised I have competition.” He raises his hand and lets it hover over my cheek before brushing a strand of hair behind my ear. “But I think we could be really good together. Will you give us a chance?”
Get Through the Red Door on Amazon Avoiding the Zon? Get TTRD from other vendors.Thanks for reading!
P.S. Looking for something more lighthearted? My Bangers Tavern Complete Series Collection bundles five steamy rom-coms for the price of two individual books.
Come to Bangers Tavern for super-steamy rom-coms featuring chosen family, diverse characters, creative cocktails, and the best tater tots in Tacoma. Four full-length novels and one novella each deliver a satisfying HEA and an unforgettable holiday bash in the neighborhood bar that feels like home. One night in Bangers, and you’ll want to return again and again!
