Hello romance readers!

Today I’m sharing an excerpt from my upcoming release, His Loving Caress. I’m excited about the next addition to the Chasing Love series and I hope you enjoy reading it. The official release date is June 1^st and the paperback will be released on May 24^th wherever paperbacks are sold. Let me know what you think in the comments. I’ll post another excerpt before the release date. Perhaps two …

Candace

Hearts in Harmony

Instead of falling apart when her childhood sweetheart chose his music career over marriage, Elle Lauren fled to Paris to study fashion design. Her stunning wedding gowns now give other brides the happily-ever-after she didn’t have. Ignoring Braxton Chase’s long-distance apologies has been easy. But seeing him once more stirs the deep longings and desires that a decade has not erased.

Braxton walked away from the pressure to marry at a young age, and he’s regretted breaking Elle’s heart ever since. From the moment he sees her again at his Atlanta jazz club, he knows he wants more than forgiveness—he wants a second chance at the heart-and-soul connection that they once had. Can he convince her to trust the sweet, seductive melody of their lost love?

Excerpt

Elle studied her flushed face and glistening eyes in the mirror of the ladies’ room on the first floor. She wasn’t even sure how she’d managed to walk down there. She’d been in a daze and the heaviness returned to her legs and her heart. Braxton had played their song and it had taken everything she had in her not to turn on the tears. For years she refused to listen to the song. But after awhile, hearing “Adore” by Prince had gotten easier. Until now. Braxton played it with so much emotion and vigor as if it was only them in the room. Once he was done, he’d given her the most endearing look, one that elicited heat to her center and caused a rage-filled shudder to travel down her spine.

Upon reaching the ladies’ room she was flabbergasted to see the black wallpaper with orchids, solidifying the fact the flowers were definitely from him. In the plush ladies’ lounge area hung oversized portraits of Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald and Sarah Vaughn, who were some of Elle’s favorite jazz and blues singers. Braxton had always been very detail oriented and even though Megan, who was an interior designer, had decorated the jazz club, it was his vision.

Exhaling to calm herself, Elle rustled through her purse to locate her keys so she could leave. The event was almost over, and she’d already given a sizable donation to the treasurer that would pay for at least two students to obtain their undergraduate degrees. She wasn’t sure if she could make it back up the stairs to say goodbye to Megan and Tiffani, but she knew they would understand when she called them later. Glancing in the mirror one last time, Elle exited out of the restroom and straight into the sight of Braxton who was casually leaning on the opposite wall with his arms crossed over his commanding chest next to a portrait of his jazz quartet.

Elle sashayed straight up to him as his eyes widened. She was sure he wasn’t expecting her to do so. Her heels gave her a little height and confidence, because at five feet five inches, she’d always had to stand on her tippy-toes to reach him.

“What do you want?” she demanded through clenched teeth.

A sly grin reached his lips. “Is that a trick question? Never ask a man who finds you irresistible what he wants.”

“Your compliments no longer work on me. I know you’re not just standing here hanging out. You were obviously waiting for me. And how on earth did you know I was attending the brunch? Megan said you’re rarely here on a Saturday morning, and I know neither she nor Tiffani would’ve told you.”

“Syd sent me a text this morning. You know she always looks out for her big brother.”

“Good ol’ Syd,” she said sarcastically. Elle hadn’t had a chance to speak with Sydney, who, as a criminal profiler, was busy on an important case. But apparently she wasn’t too busy to rat out Elle’s whereabouts to Braxton. She wasn’t surprised Syd told her brother. She had always been the main person dropping hints that Braxton wasn’t over their relationship.

“She thought perhaps it was time for us to finally see each other. Finally face the music, and I agree.”

“I don’t need to face anything,” she said angrily. “I’m not the one who left.”

He nodded as if in agreement, with a solemn expression washing over his features. “I deserve that, and I know I messed up with you. Not a day goes by that I don’t think about just how much I effed up.”

“Yeah, you really did. I hope it was worth it, though. You got everything you wanted, right?” The question was laced with condescension as she stared straight into his eyes. “The platinum records, the awards, the accolades, the drop-dead gorgeous women and of course, the hottest jazz club in Atlanta. Am I missing anything?” Pursing her lips together, she folded her arms across her chest waiting for his reply.

“I don’t have everything I want. I realize now more than ever what is missing, and why I’ve never felt fulfilled or truly happy about my success. I’ve missed you, Elle.”

While he sounded sincere and she respected his honesty, he wasn’t going to knock down her brick wall. He couldn’t know that she felt the exact same way. She loved her career, but there was a piece of her that wasn’t truly happy because he wasn’t there to share in her success. However, she would never reveal that to him.

“Humph. It’s too late for that.”

Braxton closed the space between them and lowered his head to hers. “It’s never too late for something that’s meant to be. Did you enjoy the song?”

“What do you think?”

“Oh, I think you did. It was plastered all over your lovely face, Sunshine.”

Elle winced at the nickname he’d given her in high school. He’d said she brightened up his life. She used to love when he called her that, but now she simply loathed it.

She pointed her finger at his hard chest. “Don’t call me that. You lost those privileges.”

He nestled his hand around her finger, and the feel of his skin on hers sent a wave of shivers through her body. She regretted being in his personal space yet she couldn’t move as he held her in a steady trance. He brought her hand to his lips and kissed it tenderly while studying her carefully.

“You are still the most beautiful woman I’ve ever laid my eyes on.”

Her lids fluttered shut as he kissed her hand once more and a long, relieved sigh released from her throat. Over the years, she’d dreamed of him placing tantalizing kisses on her body. They’d felt so real, as if he were actually there. But when she awoke, reality would sink in as she’d reach out to an empty pillow.

He rested his head on her forehead and took a deep breath. For a minute her pain was washed away and replaced with the strong bond they’d once shared. However, when his arms encircled her waist and drew her closer, her eyes shot open and she remembered this wasn’t a dream. He was there, in the flesh, and she wanted nothing to do with him.

Snatching her body away, she took a few steps back and leaned on the opposite wall to compose herself. Being in his arms again, though brief, reminded her of the heart and soul connection they’d once shared. It was still there, and she needed to get away from him as soon as possible before the waterworks turned on and she gave in to his request to talk.

They stared at each other for a moment. Even though the music from the mezzanine level reached the lobby area, Elle could hear her heart hammer rapidly against her chest over the upbeat song. Before her was the man she used to love and trust. She’d shared her deepest thoughts, fears and dreams with him. Now she hated him. Though a part of her was actually overjoyed he was there. At one point in time he’d been her best friend, and she’d missed that more than anything.

Sighing, she broke their uneasy silence. “I need to go.”

“I meant what I said earlier, Elle. I need to talk to you.”

“We just finished talking. You admitted you effed up, you miss me, and I really don’t care.”

“You know what I mean.”

“And I meant what I said earlier. We have nothing to discuss. You want to know how my life has been without you. Fabulous. Now I have to go check on a wedding gown for an auction. Goodbye, Braxton.” She turned on her heel and hoped he didn’t say anything else or follow her. She needed to jet to the car and fast before the tear in the corner of her eye rolled down her cheek.

“Oh, so you’re attending your sorority’s auction tonight, as well?” he asked in a pleasant, upbeat manner.

She cringed as she replayed his words. She really hoped he didn’t mean “as well” as in he would be there, too. Pivoting toward him, she laughed nervously. “You’re going?” she asked as calm as possible. Seeing Braxton twice in one day wasn’t on today’s schedule.

“Yep. I’m auctioning off an upright piano.” Approaching her, he swept a tendril of her hair from beside her eye and tucked it behind her ear before running a finger down the side of her neck. “So I guess I’ll see you tonight, Sunshine,” he stated in an endearing tone that was accompanied by an arrogant smirk.

The mere touch of his finger on her neck was enough to send a raw shudder through her body that she managed to suppress until she rushed out of the revolving door, down the sidewalk and somehow to the safety of her rented BMW. Crashing her head onto the steering wheel, she exhaled and let the tears flow. Seeing Braxton without warning caused overwhelming emotions to surface that she’d hidden over the years in order to move on with her life. She’d missed him dearly and every blue moon she’d find herself teary-eyed from the pain that still lingered. However, she was irritated for letting him unravel her that easily. Braxton knew exactly which buttons to push, or in this case, which spots on her body to touch that would make her instantly let down her guard. He’d been her first love and the first man she’d ever been intimate with. She hated to admit that after all these years her body and mind were still under his control as if he’d purposely programmed it that way. The few boyfriends she’d had since Braxton never knew what the hell they were doing, and she usually ended up sexually frustrated because she never felt fulfilled afterward. She’d never craved or longed for any of them the way she did for Braxton.

I hope you enjoyed the excerpt. His Loving Caress is on pre order.

Pre Order Links

Hello romance readers,

I’m stepping out of the writer’s deadline hell cave to let you know that His Loving Caress, the fourth book in the Chasing Love Series, is available for pre order and will officially release on June 1^st.  I had a blast writing Braxton and Elle’s love story. I know a lot of you were curious after reading The Sweetest Kiss whether or not Braxton would be able to make Elle his again after being a no-show on their wedding day a decade ago. Well now you’ll get to find out and I can’t wait!

Back to Preston and Blythe’s book, A Chase for Christmas. (December 2016) It’s due really, really soon! Oh and the cover is gorgeous! Can’t wait to share it!

Always,

Candace

Hearts in harmony? 

Instead of falling apart when her childhood sweetheart chose his music career over marriage, Elle Lauren fled to Paris to study fashion design. Her stunning wedding gowns now give other brides the happily-ever-after she didn’t have. Ignoring Braxton Chase’s long-distance apologies has been easy. But seeing him once more stirs the deep longings and desires that a decade has not erased.

Braxton walked away from the pressure to marry at a young age, and he’s regretted breaking Elle’s heart ever since. From the moment he sees her again at his Atlanta jazz club, he knows he wants more than forgiveness—he wants a second chance at the heart-and-soul connection that they once had. Can he convince her to trust the sweet, seductive melody of their lost love?

Release Dates:

May 1: Harlequin’s website only (ebook and paperback)

May 24th: Paperback only (Wherever paperbacks are sold)

June 1st: Official release date. (all retailers)

Pre Order Links

In case you missed it, The Game of Seduction, the 2nd book in the Arrington Family Series, is on sale for 99 cents for a limited time. If you haven’t read about the Arrington family yet, they’re the first cousins to the Chases who were first introduced in this book.

Dr. Bria Arrington has had her heart broken by one bad boy playboy and doesn’t want to travel down that road again. However, she finds herself attracted to her best friend, self-proclaimed bachelor, Rasheed Vincent. After a passionate kiss leaves them desiring more, seducing each other is the only cure.

A retired basketball player, Rasheed is a player on and off the court. When a woman gets too close, he bounces to the next one. But the condition he’s in makes him want a permanent dose of Bria’s love, and he’s ready for the shot. She knows falling in love with Rasheed is a prescription for trouble, yet she is willing to risk it. But can she trust him with her heart?

Buy Links

Hola romance readers!

Just a quick note to let you know that For the Love of You is now available at all ebook retailers including iBooks and Kobo. (buy links below) I’m truly happy thus far with the positive reviews, social media comments and emails I’ve received from readers who have enjoyed Zaria and Garrett’s love story. Of course as always I was on pins and needles waiting to hear what you all thought.  Now I’ve somewhat calmed down so I can concentrate on finishing the fifth book in the Chasing Love series, A Chase for Christmas, which comes out December 2016 but due next month to my editor at Harlequin Kimani.  Yes, its Preston Chase and Blythe Ventura’s love story. I’ve received numerous emails about the notorious millionaire playboy and the muse is definitely working overtime.

I hope everyone has a splendid and blessed week!

Always,

Candace

Zaria Richardson is determined to make her event planning company, Precious Moments, the most sought after on St. Simons Island, Georgia. When Dr. Garrett Braxton approaches her with shocking information about their rendezvous last year to Las Vegas, the perfect life she’s created for herself comes crashing down. All of her mixed emotions over the suave, irresistible doctor rise to the surface, and now she’s faced with a life-changing decision.

Garrett has been in love with the ravishing, sassy beauty since he first laid eyes on her. However, with an unexpected circumstance, he now knows more than ever that Zaria has always been the one for him. Can he convince her that they’re truly meant to be?

For the Love of You is the first novella in the Precious Moments Series.

Buy Links

Dear romance readers!

I’m excited to announce my novella, For the Love of You is available! It’s the first in a new series, Precious Moments, that’s a spin-off from the Arrington Family Series. So, yes you’ll be able to catch up with the beloved Arringtons as well. As always, the blurb and chapter one are below along with the buy links.  Unfortunately, I’m still waiting for the novella to be available on Kobo and iBooks, but I didn’t want to hold out any longer. I know some of you have been waiting for Zaria Richardson and Garrett Braxton’s love story. I’ll update as soon as I have the other links.  Happy reading and thank you for always being so supportive! You rock!!

Always,

Candace

Zaria Richardson is determined to make her event planning company, Precious Moments, the most sought after on St. Simons Island, Georgia. When Dr. Garrett Braxton approaches her with shocking information about their rendezvous last year to Las Vegas, the perfect life she’s created for herself comes crashing down. All of her mixed emotions over the suave, irresistible doctor rise to the surface, and now she’s faced with a life-changing decision.

Garrett has been in love with the ravishing, sassy beauty since he first laid eyes on her. However, with an unexpected circumstance, he now knows more than ever that Zaria has always been the one for him. Can he convince her that they’re truly meant to be?

Chapter One

“Do you really think that looks perfect?” Aggravated, Zaria slapped her hand on her forehead and ran her fingers through her hair as she glared at the man on the ladder who’d just draped a gardenia garland around one of the columns. Placing her hands on her hips, she swished her lips to the side. “It isn’t hanging like the others, and it’s throwing off my entire vision for this wedding that starts in a few hours.”

“I’m sorry, Ms. Richardson.”

“Don’t be sorry, Chauncey. Just fix it. Precious Moments Events promises perfection, elegance, and class for every occasion. We don’t half-ass anything.”

Frustrated, she strutted across the wood planked floor while her inquisitive eyes perused the white-sheered tent one last time. Everything else was magnificently beautiful thanks to her fine eye for detail and creativity. Gardenia and rose garlands swooped the top of the tent, and two-feet tall centerpieces of white and fuchsia roses intertwined with ivy leaves cascaded from crystal vases.

“That’s perfect, Chauncey,” she called out.

Smiling, she sighed and exited the tent that faced the Atlantic Ocean of St. Simons Island, Georgia. It was indeed a perfect May day for a wedding. The sky was free of dark clouds, and even though there was a plan B in place for rain, there was none in the forecast.

“Zaria, there you are.”

She turned to spot her baby cousin, and head event planner, Reagan Richardson strolling toward her. “Hey. How’s the bride?” Zaria asked, nodding her head at the beach mansion where the bride’s family resided.

“A nervous wreck, but her bridesmaids are calming her down. They’re heading to the lighthouse in a few minutes to take pictures. Brooklyn is there now with the groom and the groomsmen, who will stay while the groom leaves with his father. I just hope they don’t cross paths. If they take the routes I suggested they won’t, but Brooklyn knows what to do.”

“Of course. Everything is on schedule.” She stopped when her cell phone vibrated on the clip attached to her jeans. Sliding it out, she groaned at the name and her heart skipped a few beats. What’s-his-face. She hadn’t spoken to him since she’d moved from Memphis a year ago to St. Simons to be a partner with Reagan’s event planning company.

“What’s wrong?” Reagan asked as the ladies trekked toward the tent.

“Oh, nothing.” Zaria waved it off and let the call go to voicemail. She shifted the Z on her necklace back and forth to calm her nerves.

“Everything looks exquisite by the way. Your imagination never ceases to amaze me.”

“Thanks, hon. I’m heading over to Jekyll Island to drop off the floral arrangements for the medical convention’s opening reception tonight, and then I’m going home to crash. I’ve been here since four o’ clock this morning. I’ll see you bright and early tomorrow for the going away brunch. The centerpieces the bride’s mother requested are safe in a spare bedroom. All I have to do is set them out before the guests arrive.”

“Splendid. Maybe you’ll meet a handsome doctor at the medical convention.”

Zaria chuckled sarcastically. “I’ll be sure to send him your way.”

Once settled in the driver’s seat of her Range Rover, Zaria frowned as her cell phone beeped indicating she had a voicemail. She was slightly curious as to why he was calling all of a sudden, but decided she could wait until she was at home with a glass of wine. Besides, he wasn’t anyone important … or at least that’s what she’d convinced herself of for the past year. They’d never dated—he was just a guy she hooked up with every blue moon for a few years in between a couple of boyfriends until she left Memphis. However, she’d thought of him during her late night quiet time because he was absolutely wonderful in bed and every other place that they’d had sex.

A strong force jolted through her at the thought of his hands and lips tantalizing her skin, especially his skilled tongue that always left her panting for more of it. He would ravish her as if he owned every single inch of her body, and in a way she’d almost believed it to be true. During the time she’d had a steady boyfriend for almost a year, she’d gone without seeing what’s-his-face because of their agreement not to sleep together if they were in exclusive relationships. Zaria wasn’t sure what he’d done to her, but whenever she would have sex with her boyfriend she was bored out of her mind. None of her hot spots came alive, and if she climaxed it was only because she would think about the last time she’d had sex with what’s-his-face.

Biting her bottom lip, Zaria breathed in as she came to a stoplight. She shook her head at her amorous thoughts and glanced at her cell phone, which sat on the passenger seat, when it beeped again. Groaning, she grabbed it, shut it off, and tossed it into her tote bag. She had a job to do; not think about a man that she hated to admit had at one point become a weakness for her. Briefly, she’d even thought he’d make a good boyfriend considering he was attentive, romantic, and highly intelligent, all the traits she wanted in a man. However, he’d started to date someone exclusively and she decided she must’ve been insane for thinking they’d ever be more than occasional sex buddies.

Moments later she arrived at the Jekyll Island Convention Center and spotted her contact person as she entered the building, along with a man wheeling a cart her way. Even though Zaria didn’t have anything to with the planning of the conference, she was commissioned to make four flower arrangements for the food tables at the opening reception.

There were plenty of men and women waiting in line to receive registration packets or standing around chatting. Reagan’s joke of finding a doctor crossed her mind, and while there were some handsome ones eyeing her, she wasn’t interested. Dating seemed to complicate her life, which was one of the reasons she steered away from it. She was only twenty-nine, and figured she would wait until her mid-thirties before settling down with one man, marrying, and having children—even though she couldn’t picture herself being married. The thought irked her because she enjoyed her straightforward life. She made her own rules and adhered to them.

Zaria diverted her attention away from the doctors and smiled at Patricia Holder, one of the event planners for the conference center, as she approached.

“Hello, Zaria. Stunning as always, my love,” Patricia complimented as the ladies hugged.

“Thank you. And you look fabulous, doll. The flowers are on ice in my SUV, and I received the final deposit in the account today so we’re all set.”

“Splendid. I …”

Patricia’s words became a jumbled blur when Zaria spotted a man gazing at her from the corner of her eye. Her heart sunk as she recognized the cool swagger of Dr. Garrett Braxton, or as he was listed in her cell phone what’s-his-face. For a moment she didn’t recognize him for she was used to his clean-shaven face and wavy hair. However, the short curly fro and the low-cut beard he sported was indeed sexy, and made his boyish look—which she always thought was cute—parlay him into a more mature appearance.

Now she knew why he’d called. He was in town for the medical convention which meant he wanted to see her, and from the rise of his devilish grin it also meant he wanted her. She tried to stay focused on Patricia’s ramblings of how her week had been hell preparing for five hundred doctors and nurses, but Zaria’s eyes diverted toward the ruggedly handsome man who was staring her down like she was a dessert he wanted to devour. And she wanted … no, needed him, too. It had been far too long, and since he was in town her thirsty drought could now be quenched. Her mouth watered at the thought, and she peeled her eyes away long enough to comprehend the conversation with her business associate.

Realizing Patricia had asked for the keys to her SUV, Zaria handed them to the man with the cart and told him where she’d parked. Patricia excused herself to check on a mishap and Zaria was finally able to exhale until Garrett strode her way wearing a delicious smile across his charismatic, sienna-shaded face. She hated that she was flustered for some reason. Men never unnerved her, but there was something about his demeanor that unraveled her all of a sudden.

“Hey, little lady. I see you heard my message and came rushing over to Jekyll,” he teased. “You missed me, didn’t you?”

Pursing her lips together, she frowned. “Wrong. I haven’t listened to your voicemail. I’m here on business. Purely coincidental, and I didn’t miss you. Haven’t even thought you.”

He drew her toward him. She suppressed a shudder as his six-foot-one frame engulfed her in his embrace and his familiar scent surrounded her. He wasn’t an overly built man, but his lean, in-shape physique always made her feel protected and warm.

“Maybe it was fate.”

Chuckling sarcastically, she gave him a haughty glare. “I don’t think so, old man.”

“Old man? You’ve never once complained about how this old man rocked your boat off and on for five years.”

“Whatever. So how long are you going to be in town?” she asked, running over her schedule in her head for the next few days.

“Until Tuesday morning. I was hoping we could hang out … unless you’re seeing someone, of course.” He raised a curious eyebrow.

“No. Since I’ve moved here, I haven’t had much time for a dating life. Precious Moments keeps me pretty busy. However, what makes you think I want to spend time with you just because you’re in town?”

His face scrunched in an amused expression. “Ouch, woman. I thought we could hang out and catch up. I haven’t seen or spoken to you since the day before you moved here. Plus, the real reason why I’m here is that I need to discuss something important. Didn’t want to tell you over the phone.”

Her thoughts trekked back to their last night together. When she’d arrived at his home, he’d surprised her with candles lit everywhere and a trail of pink rose petals that led to his bedroom. Unlike their crazy, wild sex sessions, that last one had been more passionate and intense than all the others. For a moment, an emotional side had taken over and she’d hidden her face in his chest to suppress her tears. However, he’d noticed and kissed them away while mumbling something about how he was going to miss her, which had slammed her back to reality. Unfortunately, since she’d been away from Memphis, that night had crept into her thoughts, making her think she actually liked him for more than just great sex and conversation.

“What could we possibly have to discuss?” she asked with a slight frown.

A mischievous grin inched up his face. “Our divorce.”

*****

Zaria’s beautiful face cracked into a ball of confusion, and she eyed him as if he’d just told her pigs could actually fly and were doing so that very instant. Garrett had considered calling her, but he figured it was better to tell her in person. He hadn’t planned on attending the medical conference, but he figured it would be the perfect excuse to see her and to share the news that had nearly given him a heart attack.

Pulling him by the hand, she led him around the corner and found a meeting room that was unoccupied. He glanced at the digital board next to the door and noted the next session in that room was an hour and a half away.

Shutting the door, Zaria paced back and forth before stopping and settling seething eyes on him. Sighing, as he was sure he saw steam rise from her head, she invaded his personal space and her four-inch wedged sandals practically made her eye level.

“What do you mean divorce? We have to be married in order to get a divorce.”

Chuckling, he lifted her chin as her breathe sucked in. “We are married, Mrs. Braxton,” he stated matter-of-factly. “Have been for little over a year. Our one-year anniversary was two weeks ago.”

“Huh?” she asked in disbelief.

“We got hitched in Vegas. Surely you remember.” He paused, and a sly smirk crossed his face while he drew her against him sensually. Lowering his head, he rested his lips against hers, and they quivered at his touch. “Especially the honeymoon. I couldn’t get enough of you, and you definitely couldn’t get enough of me. Mmm … two whole days of ecstasy. We never left the room.”

She smacked her lips and pushed against his chest, but he didn’t budge.

“It was a joke, remember? We thought it would be a cool, silly thing to do since we were in Vegas. We aren’t actually married, you idiot.”

“Well the joke is on us. The wedding chapel called to wish us happy anniversary. I told the lady we weren’t really married, and she said, ‘Honey child, yes you are. You signed a marriage license.’ You do remember we obtained one at the courthouse beforehand. The chapel filed it for us. Apparently it was a part of our wedding package. She faxed a copy right over. I had my attorney look at it and it’s legit. We’re in the system as husband and wife.”

“This is crazy. Insane!” She backed away and this time he let her go. “A Michael Jackson impersonator gave me away. An Elvis Presley impersonator married us for crying out loud, and an Isley Brothers tribute band serenaded us with “For the Love of You.” It wasn’t even a real wedding.”

“Nope, Mrs. Braxton,” he started, reaching into his conference bag and handing her the folded license, “you’re definitely my wife. We signed the form for a license in the state of Nevada and it was processed. Happy Anniversary, babe,” he teased, hoping to ease the surprise and her anger.

Her almond-shaped eyes stretched into wide saucers as she skimmed over the paper. Shaking her head back and forth, she slammed the license on his chest. “This is unreal. I can’t be married to you!” She started pacing once more before plopping into one of the leather swivel chairs at a conference table. “This can’t be happening.” She ran her hands through her long, straight hair and let out a bewildered sigh.

He strode over and hoisted himself on the table in front of her. “I’m not so bad once you get to know me.”

“You’re full of it,” she said through clenched teeth.

“Why are you upset with me? Takes two to tango, sweetheart.”

“So what did your lawyer say? Can we get this thing annulled? Clearly it’s a mistake. Obviously we don’t want to be married.”

“Yeah, he mentioned an annulment,” Garrett replied, casually shrugging his shoulders. “It’s an easy process. Shouldn’t take more than thirty to sixty days for a judge to sign off on it. Or …” He raised a cocky eyebrow.

Cutting her eyes at him, Zaria pursed her lips together. “Or what?”

“Or we can stay married.”

Buy Links

Merry Christmas, romance readers!

Just a quick note during this busy time of year to let you know that the Arrington Family Series (ebook only) is on sale for $1.99 each until January 4^th. If you haven’t read all the books, now is your chance before For the Love of You the first novella in the Precious Moments Series—a spin-off from the Arringtons—releases in Winter 2016. (I’ll have a date soon) And if you’ve read all the books then you’ll be able to catch up with the Arrington Family in the new series. The buy links and blurbs are after the banner.

I hope everyone has a blessed and safe holiday with family and friends. Blessings to you and yours in the new year!

Always,

Candace Shaw

Cuddle up this winter with the fun, flirty, and sexy contemporary romance series, The Arringtons. This bestselling series is centered around five sibling doctors in Memphis, Tennessee and their journeys to finding happily-ever-after!

Buy Links:

When Shelbi Arrington accepts a position as a food critic in the hopes of burying her medical career and foregoing her residency, the last thing she’s searching for is love. However, that’s just what the doctor ordered especially when she lays eyes on the handsome chef, Justin Richardson. While sorting out her secret conflict of continuing her medical career, she falls for his mouth-watering charm, leaving her hungry for anything he has to offer.

Justin is leery of doctors because a doctor’s negligence caused his mother’s death when he was twelve. He has put his focus and energy into his restaurant, which had been a dream he and his mother shared. Justin is immediately smitten by the cute, sassy food critic that has him cooking up different ways to please her appetite. But when things start to heat up, Shelbi learns of a shocking revelation that could extinguish the flame of their relationship. Will Justin be able to forget his pain and commit to the woman who has stolen his heart?

Dr. Bria Arrington has had her heart broken by one bad boy playboy and doesn’t want to travel down that road again. However, she finds herself attracted to her best friend, self-proclaimed bachelor, Rasheed Vincent. After a passionate kiss leaves them desiring more, seducing each other is the only cure.

A retired basketball player, Rasheed is a player on and off the court. When a woman gets too close, he bounces to the next one. But the condition he’s in makes him want a permanent dose of Bria’s love, and he’s ready for the shot. She knows falling in love with Rasheed is a prescription for trouble, yet she is willing to risk it. But can she trust him with her heart?

Part One
Cannon Arrington has pushed aside a social life to dedicate his time to medical school, extracurricular activities, and helping others … that is, until he lays his eyes on the angelic face of Yasmine Dubose. For Cannon, meeting her was a breath of fresh air. Something about the bubbly, sexy teacher makes him realize he needs to stop and smell the roses.

Yasmine has had a crush on Cannon since high school, but he never noticed the nerdy freshman. Now she’s blossomed into a woman who’s full of life. She knows Cannon’s drive for success is important to him, but she fears he’ll become even more of a workaholic than her father, who died when she was a child.

Will Cannon settle down and learn how to balance his career and love life, or will he lose the simply amazing woman who has stolen his heart?

Part Two
Dr. Cannon Arrington’s mission is to help people in need. But when his ex fiancée re enters his life after twelve years, he has a new mission. Never let her get away again.

Yasmine Dubose never stopped loving Cannon. Instead, she learned to live without him, guarding her heart in the process. However, when they are brought together to plan a wedding for their best friends, Yasmine is faced with the challenge of following her heart this time around or risk losing the only man she’s ever loved.

Since the death of her husband three years ago, Dr. Raven Arrington has found herself in the same mundane routine. Needing a change of scenery, she escapes to a little town outside of Buenos Aries to temporarily work at a medical facility. Raven didn’t realize what prescription for medicine she needed until she meets Chief of Staff, Dr. Armand Phillips. With just the right dose of desire, the gray-eyed, sinfully suave doctor awakens a part of her she’d suppressed.

Armand knows having a fling with a co-worker is a prescription for trouble, but the older, sophisticated doctor is like no other woman he’s met. He’s used to no responsibilities outside of his career and loves his freedom to travel wherever needed. However, Armand is willing to sacrifice it all in order to make Raven his—despite her reservations—and to give her what she wants more than anything.

Dr. Sean Arrington loves his family, patients, and the ladies. With no interest in settling down with one woman, he dates women—who like him—just want to have fun with no commitment and no strings attached—unless they like being tied up. Literally. However, when he lands his eyes on the cute-dimpled, quirky botanist Traci Reed, something tugs at his heart and he figures rules can be broken.

Traci has been infatuated with the rivetingly handsome bad boy since his mother showed her Sean’s picture a few years ago. When he asks her to design the gardens in his backyard, Traci can’t refuse. After they share a heated first kiss, she can’t believe Sean actually has feelings for her. She’s drawn to his smooth charisma and intellect; however, she’s cautious for she knows he prefers his bachelor lifestyle. Can Sean prove to Traci she’s his kind of girl after all?