The Lawman’s Secret Vow
By Tara Randell
Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 384 Pages
August 1st 2018 by Harlequin Heartwarming
To have and to hold—
until the case is solved?
When an undercover assignment pairs laid-back Florida detective Dante Matthews with by-the-book cop Eloise Archer, he knows it won’t be easy. And not just because they’re competing for the same promotion. Now they’re living together under the same roof, and it’s getting harder to ignore his deepening feelings for his “wife.” Can he convince Eloise to partner up—for life?
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Excerpt:
Together. Right. She needed her cop face right now because she didn’t know how else to cover the riot of emotions battling inside her. Taking a deep breath, she met Dante’s shuttered gaze. “I’m good.”
“No, you’re not,” he muttered as he took her hand and practically dragged her across the lawn, his bossiness almost bringing a smile to her face.
Once inside the house, Dante said, “Let me get my wallet and keys.”
She nodded, on autopilot as she went to the master bathroom to splash water on her face. Her heart still raced and her head pounded. She glanced in the mirror. Cringed. Her mascara had smeared around her eyes, her skin was just as ghostly as Martha’s and her hair, sticking out all over the place, looked like she’d run her hand through it a hundred times. Grabbing a brush, she worked through the tangles, then wiped a washcloth over her face. Her contacts were gritty, irritating her eyes. She removed them and felt around for the spare set of glasses she kept in the bathroom.
“Ready?” Dante asked, his voice calm, yet commanding, from the doorway.
She turned, anxious to leave. Her eyes met his through the glass lenses and suddenly her feet were as heavy as cement blocks. The concern etched on his face, for her, for their friend, nearly brought her to her knees. She’d never experienced the depth of anyone caring about her during a life-altering event like this. Never. And suddenly it became all too real.
“I can’t do this,” she whispered, removing the glasses to rub her eyes.
Dante moved into the room with one step and tugged her into his arms. He held her tight as the tears she’d thought were gone returned with a vengeance. She couldn’t control the sobbing or trembling, and while Dante’s actions should have comforted her, she found herself embarrassed.
She pulled back, swiping at her wet cheeks. “What is wrong with me? I’m always calm under pressure. I know how to handle an emergency situation. I’m a police detective, for Pete’s sake.”
Dante propped a shoulder against the doorframe. “You haven’t had a person close to you experience this kind of distress?”
“No. My folks are healthy. I… You know I don’t have a lot of friends. This is…”
“Out of your realm of expertise?”
She nodded, the lump in her throat making it impossible to answer.
A look she couldn’t decipher in her current distress passed Dante’s face. “Martha would want you to be strong, Ellie.” He reached out to thumb the tears from her face. “And since I know there’s steel in your bones, you can do this.”
“And if the worst happens?” She sniffed.
“We’ll get through that. Together.”
Seeing the confidence on his face, Eloise took another breath. Replaced her glasses. Squared her shoulders and tried for a modicum of calm. “You’ll stay with me at the hospital?”
“For as long as it takes.”
She stepped forward, intending to exit the bathroom, but instead wrapped her arms around his neck. When his strong arms circled her waist, she whispered, “Steel?”
“Hey, I’m trying,” he muttered.
She drew back and sent him a teary smile. “Thank you.”
About the Author
USA Today Bestselling Author Tara Randel has enjoyed a lifelong love of books, especially romance and mystery genres, so it didn’t come as a surprise when she began writing with the dream of becoming published. Family values, mystery and, of course, love and romance are her favorite themes, because she believes love is the greatest gift of all. Tara lives on the West Coast of Florida, where gorgeous sunsets inspire the creation of heartwarming stories, filled with love, laughter and the occasional mystery.
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Tour Giveaway
Prize #1: Beach/pool tote and water bottle, signed print copies of The Bridal Bouquet and His One and Only Bride, $25 Amazon Gift Card. (Open to US only)
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Ends August 22nd
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Tour Schedule
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Inside The Mind of an Avid Reader
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