Old Town
Nights
Book One: Blood &
Company Series
Addicted to love…
When Abby Lawrence shows
a house to Ambrose Slater, she’s unable to resist the handsome,
sensitive, hybrid-vampire, who is a powerful mortal. As she
witnesses the deterioration of his brother’s marriage to a regular
woman, Abby must decide if she can embrace the vampire lifestyle or
give up the only man she’s ever loved. And Ambrose must choose
whether to risk losing Abby’s love or setting her free, even if it
kills him…
Old Town Nights is
a story of two species of human beings that need one another in a
special, intimate way. Added to the mix are the quirks of their
colorful families, the rigors of operating a bakery, and the
challenges of fitting into today’s ever-changing world.
Excerpt:
Abby stared out the window at the expansive view of the lake from her high-rise office on Michigan Avenue. It was a dazzling August day with lemony-white clouds. She imagined the beach teeming with late afternoon sunbathers and caught the glint of sailboats on the sparkling blue water. As she watched the toy cars cruising along Lake Shore Drive and a jet soaring across the azure sky, tears stung her eyes—and it wasn’t from the brightness.
Last weekend she’d sold a house for over a million dollars, her biggest sale thus far. Abby should have been flying high, but instead she felt letdown. Maybe, at age twenty-six, she couldn’t handle this much success so fast. Or maybe she just couldn’t handle Derek.
The receptionist poked her head in the door. “Your four o’clock is here, Abby,” she said. Then, more softly, “You won’t believe it when you see him.”
“Thanks, Iris.”
Rising from her desk, Abby smoothed the wrinkles from her pale linen pants, paused to tuck an errant strand of hair back into place, and then walked out to greet Mr. Slater.
Lincolnshire Real Estate catered to high-end clientele. She had worked with all kinds of rich and influential people, and in fact, that was how she’d met Derek: She’d sold him his condominium. Abby had seen diamonds the size of marbles, Armani suits, and fur coats in July, but never had she seen the likes of the man who waited for her in the outer office.
He stood around six-two, was well built, and was wearing sunglasses. Oddly enough, he was dressed in a long-sleeved black shirt and pants, relieved only by a blue silk tie. Although parted in the center and brushed back from his forehead, his sable hair was long enough to be combed behind his ears. He had fair skin and the most unusual mouth, rather full and sensual for a man. When his lips curved in a slight smile, her heart sped up, pulsing in her throat.
She moved forward and extended her hand. “Mr. Slater? I’m Abby Lawrence.”
“Please, call me Ambrose,” he said.
Although his fingers felt cool, Abby felt instantly warmed by his touch. He removed his shades and she looked into eyes as dark and vast as the cosmos. At the same time, his gaze settled on her as gently as night descending over the Chicago Skyline.
“I’m pleased to meet you…Ambrose. Tell me, are you one of the Slater’s from those famous bakeries around town?”
“One and the same,” he said, still smiling his sensual smile. “I’m sorry to be tying up your Friday evening, but it’s the only free time I have.”
Abby waved a hand. “Oh, I work late most evenings. Let me get my purse and we can go. I have several appointments set up on some properties that might interest you.”
One of her associates did a double take. Iris raised dubious eyebrows as Abby walked by. In her office, Abby had to stop and take a few deep breaths. She recalled, suddenly, how she’d liked his voice on the phone. It sounded soft and smooth, and he’d seemed so polite. She had no idea he would be so devastatingly handsome or so different in a strangely appealing way.
Review Rating: 4 LIGHTNING BOLTS
Review: This is a story about a vampire family.
They aren't your typical vampire. They're not alpha males. They aren't vicious bloodsuckers. They aren't saving the world from demons.
No, they aren't any of these things. Linda Lee Williams takes a different spin. Her story of Old Town Nights has it's paranormal element, but other than being vampires, the issues are normal. Okay, not fully normal of course, because what's normal about vampires? Nothing, that's what.
Abby meets Ambrose and she's unaware of what he is. But he seems like a nice man. Then she learns the truth. Abby is drawn to him.
Old Town Nights takes readers on a journey into Amrbose and his family's life. They have their quirks, they have their problems, but they are an intriguing bunch of characters which I had a blast learning about.
This is the second novel by Linda that I've read. I have to say, she puts a unique spin in the paranormal/contemporary genre. She has a way of drawing me in and making me feel for the characters. Now I anxiously await the next one in this series, Sisters of the Night. Can't wait to see what's in store!
About the Author:
Linda Lee Williams writes “contemporary
romances with a paranormal twist.” After moving to Denver from
Chicago, she taught writing classes at Arapahoe Community College and
formed a writers group. Recently, she teamed up with her husband
Tim—the artist that illustrated her book covers—to publish her
novels on Amazon.
An outdoor enthusiast, Linda enjoys
hiking, biking, and birding. She loves critters of all kinds,
domestic or wild. During her journeys, she’s called Maryland,
Virginia, Illinois, Missouri, and Colorado home. Wherever she roams,
she draws inspiration from her surroundings.
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