Readers will find themselves quickly captivated by this story of second chances as a recently divorced woman and older man, with an unforgettable first meeting, go on a journey full of surprising twists and turns to reach HEA. Keep reading to get a tempting taste of Beyond the Surface by Trisha Ridinger McKee, then learn even more about this book by visiting the other sites hosting this tour. In honor of this emotionally intense standalone story make sure to fill out the form below for the chance to win a $15 bookstore GC too!
Ella is a middle-aged woman with a stagnant career, an exasperated teenage daughter, and a husband that has left to make a new life with another woman. Her first attempt at dating is a disaster, and in an attempt to refocus her life and rediscover her joy, Ella goes fishing. It is here that she meets Dennis, the older, captivating man that ends up saving her life and stealing her heart. But Dennis has a history, and Ella might just be in for the biggest heartbreak of her life if she can not get her emotions under control and face the demons from her own past.
EXCERPT:
Ella noticed he kept a distance, his gaze flitting around the room. She felt huge and plain in a cotton dress that made it easy to move around the still, humid air.
“You okay?” He was close again, his lips near her cheek, and she stepped away, unable to keep it all straight.
“Forget it."
“El-"
“This was a stupid dress to wear!” she cried out.
Slowly, Dennis nodded. “Such a stupid dress to wear.” And he was right behind her, his hands drawing her against him. Leaning down, he whispered, “Because I can’t think straight seeing you in that dress. You look young and beautiful, the color brings out the green in your eyes. The fabric is thin enough that all I can think of is how very little is between us when I am against you like this. And when the sun hits you just right... the dress... El, the dress is a little see-through."
She spun around, colliding into him, her large eyes seeking his in a panic. “What? Dennis, I was out running errands -"
“I know.” His lips teased the tip of her ear, stifling her words. “And I bet all the men that crossed your path are still trying to recover. So, when I suddenly get quiet and move away, it’s because I’m doing my best, El, to be a gentleman. Because something about you drives me crazy, and I forget myself. I forget how to be a civilized male, a proper adult."
His lips were suddenly on her neck, and her knees buckled.
BUY AT AMAZON here.
AUTHOR INFO:
Trisha Ridinger McKee resides in a small town in Pennsylvania where there is not much to do...except write. When she is not twisting words into stories, she enjoys fishing, reading, binge- watching true crime or cheesy horror, hanging out with her bulldogs, and finding new hobbies. She shares her world with a patient hubby and an amazing daughter. She finally gained enough courage to send out her writing in April 2019. Since then, her work has appeared or is forthcoming in over 50 publications, including Tablet Magazine, The Oddville Press, Crab Fat Magazine, Kzine, Commuterlit, J.J. Outre Review, ParABnormal Magazine, 4Star Stories, Black Hare Press, Thirteen Press, and more. She won Story of the Month from 50-Word Stories. Her short story Where We Meet has been nominated for Best of the Net Anthology 2019. Her debut novel Beyond the Surface is now available on Amazon.
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Thanks for hosting!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a good read.
ReplyDeleteThank you! I hope you check it out. It is free on Kindle Unlimited; otherwise, a Kindle copy is only $2.99. It is also available on paperback.
DeleteThank you for hosting!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a good book, thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteHi Julie, thank you for stopping by! I hope you check the book out. It's a fantastic summer read. All 5-star reviews so far.
DeleteWhat was the inspiration for the story, especially since most writers don't venture into romances with couples above the age of 30-32.
ReplyDeleteHi! Well, I'm middle-aged, and I'm a romantic, and I love the thought of second chances. Ella is young at heart, she hasn't really experienced being her own person, and I loved the idea of exploring that. The setting is initially at a lake while fishing, and when I go fishing with my hubby... he is usually very stoic, but when fishing, he is happy and carries everything and helps me into the boat. It is romantic... in his way. And that spurred the idea of having the couple meet while fishing.
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