Just in time for the holidays, I’d like to highlight a
couple of my Stocking Stuffer romances, set in the Florida Keys. “Mistletoe and
Palm Trees” was the first in a two-part series, and was followed by a sequel,
“Snowflakes and Palm Trees,” which completed the story arc between the two
characters.
“Christmas in Key Largo, Florida—palm trees, bright
blue waters, tropical temperatures, and two people feeling the sting of a bad
break-up. When Tom McCoy fled there to forget his latest romantic debacle, the
last person he expected to meet was beautiful Brooke Devlin, who is trying to
heal from a mishap of her own. Their mutual attraction is strong, but is it
real or just rebound? Will their holiday affair last beyond check-out time, or
become the stuff Spring breaks are made of?”
The genesis for this story was an actual incident that
happened to yours truly. I had planned a trip to Florida with my sig other for
a working vacation that included some book signings. Shortly before we were to
leave, she had an accident and was unable to travel. The reservations were
non-refundable and publicity had gone out for my appearances, so it was decided
that I would go solo. I thought “What if this guy traveled to the Keys alone
because he’d broken up with someone, and he meets a woman who is there under
similar circumstances?” It was a fun story to write because of the
will-they-or-won’t-they aspect. Here’s a sample:
Brooke’s eyes took on a sultry look accompanied by a
small smile. “So what’s a lonely girl supposed to do for a week in a tropical
paradise by herself?”
“Find an equally lonely guy to bum around with,” Tom
answered.
“Where would I find such a guy?”
“They’re all over the place.”
“Maybe I should run an ad.” She placed her hand over
his on the table. “Unless you’d like to apply for the job.”
“I’d be happy to provide references.”
She gave him a playful look, one that made her green
eyes sparkle. “What are your qualifications?”
“I’m here, I have no plans, and I find you very
attractive.”
“What’s your availability?”
“At your service, twenty-four-seven.”
Her look turned sly. “Does that include nights?”
“Of course.”
She laughed. “You’re hired. How soon can you start?”
Tom squeezed her hand. “I just gave notice on my last
job.”
Since this story had my usual happy-for-now ending, I
decided that the natural thing to do was supply a sequel that picked up a year
later. I called it “Snowflakes and Palm Trees.”
“When Tom McCoy fled to the Florida Keys a yar ago to get over a bad break-up, he never dreamed he’d meet beautiful Brooke Devlin, who was recovering from her own romantic mishap. They’ve returned to celebrate a magical year together—but when a former lover unexpectedly appears, there’s trouble on the horizon. Will Tom and Brooke get around this unwanted intrusion and have a happy holiday? What other surprises will they find under the Christmas tree?”
Here's an excerpt to get you into the Keys mood, and
provide a sample of their next adventure:
Tom and Brooke walked hand in hand along the brick
walkway by the channel after sunset. Multi-colored lights reflected off the
calm waters and a warm evening breeze rustled the palms. They found their way
to the Tiki bar outside their resort then took seats at a vacant table. After
their Mojitos arrived, Tom raised his glass in a toast.
“To a beautiful vacation.”
Brooke touched her glass to his then took a sip. “Mmm,
very good. Why can’t anyone at home make these as good as they do down here?”
“Probably the same reason they don’t serve seafood as
good as what we get here--location, location, location. Atmosphere is
everything.”
Brooke emitted a contented sigh. “This is nice. The
sunset was beautiful, the weather’s perfect, and the flowers are gorgeous.”
“I’m glad you’re enjoying it.”
She took his hand in hers and looked into his eyes.
“How could I not be enjoying it since I’m here with you?”
He returned her dreamy gaze. “I was thinking the same
thing.”
Brooke closed her eyes then slowly rotated her head
and flexed her shoulders. “I’m still tight from the plane trip. Think I could
talk you into giving me a back rub later?”
“Honey, I’ll rub anything you want.”
She gave him a playful look and grin. “Anything?”
“Anything.” He exhaled a slow deep breath. “I’m
finally starting to unwind. Why is it that the week before I go away is busier
than the other fifty-one?”
Brooke groaned. “Tell me about it. I swear my boss was
getting even with me in advance for daring to take time off.”
Tom sipped his drink. “Then you should rub it in. Send
her the most scenic postcard you can find and write the temperature on the back
in big numbers.”
Brooke laughed. “I love it!”
If you’re in the mood for a fun holiday romance, reminiscent
of what they show on Lifetime this time of year, check out “Mistletoe and Palm
Trees” and the sequel, “Snowflakes and Palm Trees.” You can find them at the
links below. Happy holiday reading!
Mistletoe and Palm Trees (Amazon)
Snowflakes and Palm Trees (Amazon)
Tim Smith is an award-winning, bestselling author of
romantic mystery/thrillers and contemporary rom/coms. His author site is Tim Smith, AllAuthor
.png)