by: Lisa Kessler
Series: The Muse Chronicles
Genre: Urban Fantasy Romance
Release Date: May 15, 2017
Publisher: Lisa’s Lair
The Prophecy - "Every generation the nine daughters of Zeus are reborn, and with their rebirth are also nine Guardians. They will be marked by the gods, and given gifts to protect his treasure. Their abilities will only be unlocked when they find their muse."
Erica Sterling owns her curves, and inspires passion in every person she meets. It's the curse of having the Greek muse, Erato, lurking in her soul. After a hot night with a firefighter, she struggles to keep her distance from him. The gods have other plans, but Erica has crossed the line between passion and obsession once before, and she's never going back. Not even for her Guardian.
No one understands fire and heat like firefighter, Reed McIntosh. After being burned by a bad marriage, he's sworn off love. But he's never been with anyone like Erica, and after meeting her, a dormant ability is awakened inside of him, along with the desire to keep her safe.
When a stalker's threats turn up the heat, Reed will put his life ---and his heart--- on the line. But when the ashes settle, will love be too late?
Erica came out of the movie theater as the sun dipped low in the sky. She’d opted for a film as a distraction from thinking about Reed. Knowing he was over at Callie’s place was too much temptation, and seeing him again was out of the question. If he touched her, there was a good chance she’d drag him to a dark corner and enjoy every inch of him.
And if Jack really was still out there, stalking her, the obsession she could inspire was even worse than she had imagined.
She got in her car and drove west. Sunsets were an event in Crystal City, and if the traffic lights were on her side, she could get to the beach just in time. Nothing cleared her head like watching the day end with the light on the water and the sky awash in color. It made her feel small, her problems barely a blip on the universe’s radar.
The sky was already painted in breathtaking shades of orange and red as she parked. She got out and crossed over the boardwalk to the beach. She popped off her sandals and sank her feet into the still-warm sand as she walked toward the water. The wind pulled her hair back from her face, giving her a clear view of the horizon. No marine layer of fog today.
Maybe she’d finally catch that green flash as the sun disappeared into the water.
In the distance, a surfer picked up his board and walked out of the waves. With the sun behind him, she couldn’t see his face, but the shape of his body, the broad shoulders, trim waist, and muscular arms had her blood pumping. Reed?
But…how?
He came straight toward her as the sun kissed the horizon. If there was a green flash, she’d completely missed it.
He stopped in front of her and set his board down. “What brings you to the beach?”
His deep voice tempted her to come closer, to run her hands up his body. She resisted. Barely. “Helps me clear my head.”
He nodded slowly. “Me too.” He glanced at his board. “Missed you at the barbecue earlier today.” He lifted his head with a smile. “I had pants on and everything.”
And just like that, all her internal warnings about being near him fell on deaf ears. She
tucked her hair behind her ear. “I’ve got no willpower where you’re concerned. Better not to risk it.”
His eyes wandered over her face. “We do need to talk, though. Someplace public.” His dark eyes sparkled in the fading light. “I can’t believe I’m saying this, but we should keep our pants on.”
She raised a brow. “Where’s the fun in that?”
He sobered, taking a step forward. He was close enough to touch. “Don’t tempt me.” She caught her bottom lip in her teeth, and he ran a hand through his wet hair, groaning. “Too late.” He bent to kiss her lips. “Now,” he said, pulling back, “we’re not going any further until we talk. Even if it kills me.”
He picked up his surfboard and jogged toward the beach showers. Erica walked through the sand and sat on the sea wall to wait. Daylight was fading fast into twilight, but she enjoyed the gorgeous view as Reed unzipped his wet suit and stepped out in his board shorts and nothing else. Tan, muscled, and…
And if she didn’t get a grip, she’d ruin him. She slid her fingertips under the strap of her tank top, gliding over the slick scar tissue.
This was a dangerous game they were playing.
Purchase Breath of Passion from:
The Muse Chronicles Series:
(Click on the book covers for more information and/or to purchase from Amazon.)
Her short stories have been published in print anthologies and magazines, and her vampire story, Immortal Beloved, was a finalist for a Bram Stoker award.
When she's not writing, Lisa is a professional vocalist, performing with the San Diego Opera as well as other musical theater companies in San Diego. You can learn more at http://Lisa-Kessler.com.
Places to find Lisa Kessler:
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Thanks for sharing the excerpt!
ReplyDeleteCan't wait for you to read the book... :)
Lisa