Monday, March 31, 2014

VBT: Chance of Rain





Chance of Rain
by Amber Lin

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BLURB:


The only things Natalie Bouchard wants to change are the weekly specials in her Gram’s diner. So when her high school sweetheart strolls back into Dearling, Texas, she allows herself to indulge in a little flirtation, but that’s as far as it goes.

Navy SEAL Sawyer Nolan has returned to sell his father’s land and get the hell out, no matter how enticing he still finds Natalie. Until a storm rolls over the Texas hills, stranding them together at the farm…and the memories of their steamy past lead to a reunion filled with hot days and long nights.

Soon Natalie’s so far under Sawyer’s skin he can’t imagine being without her. But he has a lot of history in Dearling he’d like to leave behind, and Natalie is practically married to this town. If Sawyer wants to be more than just another person who leaves Natalie, he’ll have to give his hometown—and himself—one more chance.


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Excerpt 

She flipped the switch, and lights blinked off unsteadily down the long tiled ceiling. Only at the end of each day did it dawn on her how large the place was. Large in both its physical size and the space it took up in her life. Though unassuming and maybe unconventional, it was a legacy. Hers to keep. Hers to maintain.

She headed into the back office and gathered the papers. She returned through the swinging doors leading to the dining area with a stuffed manila folder. And ran smack into the broad chest of Sawyer Nolan with an oof.

What are you doing here?”

He raised his eyebrows. “Having dinner.”

We’re closed.”

Door was unlocked.”

He wore the shadows well. The darkness seemed to enhance his handsomeness, lengthening his planes and sharpening his angles. He seemed more at ease here in the quiet dark than the bustling brightness of morning.

I hadn’t gotten to that yet. No one usually comes around this late.”

Guess that means no dinner.”

His voice was neutral, but it had to be a disappointment. He was hungry, and everywhere else would be closed. Unless he wanted a cold sandwich from the gas station on the outskirts of town. She wasn’t heartless enough to send him there, not when carefully packaged leftovers sat in her fridge.

Anyone else she would have invited back to the kitchen table, but not him. Oh, no. He could eat in the dim, impersonal void and count himself lucky if she even chatted with him.

She gestured to the bar stools. “Have a seat. I’ll heat you up something.”

His face cracked into a smile. “Thanks, Natalie.”

Man, he looked so genuinely happy just for that. Just for her to feed him. Her heart squeezed. Maybe she’d give him double helpings. He was broad and tall enough to need them anyway.


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Review: This is a short, but heartwarming and emotional read about second chances. The story started out a little on the slow side, though it was filled with humor and when the hero walked back in, BAM!  The emotions piled on! This is the first time I've read a book by the author, and even with a novella, the characters were well developed and I could really feel their situations. Great afternoon read! 

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Amber Lin writes edgy romance with damaged hearts, redemptive love, and a steamy ever after. RT Book Reviews called her debut novel, Giving It Up, “truly extraordinary.” Amber married her high school sweetheart, gave birth to a kid who’s smarter than she is, and spends her nights writing down her dirty thoughts. In other words, life is good.








Amber will be awarding a $15 Amazon Gift Card to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour.
You can follow along with the tour! 


4 comments:

  1. I really enjoyed the review and the bio. Sounds like a good story.

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  2. I'm all about new beginings..very good excerpt.

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  3. Good excerpt~ wwhat happens after dinner besides dessert?

    ilookfamous at yahoo dot com

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  4. Thank you for your review.

    marypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com

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