Title: Separated
Series: In Midsummer
Author: Jessica Frances
Genre: Adult, Mystery, Romance, LGBTQ+
Release Date: 3rd July 2020
BLURB supplied Xpresso Book Tours
One jealous sheriff. One pushy Hollywood hunk. One threat. One
undeniable attraction. One messy situation. One chance to fix it.
I’ve guarded my heart the same way that I’ve guarded my hometown of Midsummer—with unwavering compromise and integrity. I’ve never even once been tempted to let my guard down. That is … until I met Conner Sherwood.
It didn’t matter that I swore off all romantic relationships. Or that I wasn’t interested in opening myself up and likely getting hurt. Like a moth to the flame, I can’t resist him. I can’t stop myself from wanting something I shouldn’t. Even pushing him away didn’t stop me from wanting him. Unfortunately, I’m not the only one who wants Conner. He has caught the eye of a Hollywood heartthrob. How can I compete with that?
But when Conner starts to receive death threats and an attempt is made on his life, I begin to realize that there is more at stake here than having my heart broken. Conner is in danger being in Midsummer, and whoever is threatening him won’t be satisfied until Conner is no longer breathing.
What I know for certain is that I won’t stop until I catch the person responsible for harming the man I’m coming to realize that I cannot live without.
I’ve guarded my heart the same way that I’ve guarded my hometown of Midsummer—with unwavering compromise and integrity. I’ve never even once been tempted to let my guard down. That is … until I met Conner Sherwood.
It didn’t matter that I swore off all romantic relationships. Or that I wasn’t interested in opening myself up and likely getting hurt. Like a moth to the flame, I can’t resist him. I can’t stop myself from wanting something I shouldn’t. Even pushing him away didn’t stop me from wanting him. Unfortunately, I’m not the only one who wants Conner. He has caught the eye of a Hollywood heartthrob. How can I compete with that?
But when Conner starts to receive death threats and an attempt is made on his life, I begin to realize that there is more at stake here than having my heart broken. Conner is in danger being in Midsummer, and whoever is threatening him won’t be satisfied until Conner is no longer breathing.
What I know for certain is that I won’t stop until I catch the person responsible for harming the man I’m coming to realize that I cannot live without.
PURCHASE LINKS
EXCERPT
“I’m sorry I
haven’t been able to figure out who is threatening you.” Even I hear the
frustration in my voice.
Why can’t this
one just be easy? Why can’t I have this cleared up for Conner so he doesn’t
have to keep suffering?
“I know you’re
doing your best.”
“But it isn’t
good enough.”
“Rocky,” he
breathes my name, and I hate how much I love hearing it caress his lips.
“Unless you can read minds, then I’m not sure there is any catching whoever it
is. Everything they’ve done so far has led to a dead end.”
He’s not wrong.
There was zero evidence to be found on his car that could lead us to anyone.
The generic black spray paint could have come from multiple stores in any town
or city. There was nothing unique about it, and whoever did it had worn gloves,
since there were no foreign prints and the few smudges indicated as much. Of
the very few security cameras in the area, nothing caught a thing out of place.
And no one saw or heard anything.
The one thing I
was able to narrow down from a witness recalling Conner’s vehicle without the
vandalism is that it happened sometime during the night after eleven, which
gave the perpetrator a blanket of darkness to keep themselves hidden from easy
view.
“Still, this is
my town, and I hate that someone is trying to drive you out of it.”
“According to
you, I’m not staying anyway, right?”
My heart rate
picks up immediately, dread settling inside me, despite expecting this. “Is
that your way of saying you’re leaving?”
“I have no
plans to leave anytime soon, Rocky. I like it here. Well, apart from being
threatened and living in fear; that is.”
I’m not sure
I’m ready to face Conner leaving, mainly because I know it means facing a lot
of things I’ve been ignoring, but I’m unable to feel any relief, because
outrage boils through my bloodstream that he’s being made to live in fear.
“I don’t care
how long it takes; I’ll make whoever is doing this pay. I’ll bring them to
justice.” I have to take several deep breaths to calm down.
Conner doesn’t
comment, but when his hand brushes mine, the connection is enough to ease my
anger.
“I’m glad
you’re staying.”
I hear a rustle
as I assume he turns to face me. My eyes haven’t adjusted to the darkness
enough yet for me to know for sure.
“I’m staying.
Not even death threats have run me out of here. It makes you wonder what else I
would have been willing to stay for.” There’s heat behind his words, an anger
that is justified.
“You’re saying
that I misjudged you as someone who would just travel through town and leave
me?”
“Yes.”
“And, are you
also saying I’m too late now?”
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Jessica
lives in Adelaide, South Australia. When she is not writing, you can find her
reading, napping or watching excessive amounts of TV. Connect with her on
Facebook and Goodreads.
AUTHOR LINKS
Thank you for signing up for the Separated Blitz. I appreciate your support!
ReplyDelete