by Shannyn Schroeder
Release Date: December 22nd 2015
Lyrical Press
Summary:
Free
Mitchell loves the theater. In his dreams he’s the one taking the spotlight.
But so far he’s played against character by following in his father’s footsteps
as an investment banker. When he’s masquerading as Dr. Who or Sherlock Holmes
to help his brother, he feels he can escape his shy, dorky persona. But
nothing’s prepared him to play boyfriend to a gorgeous girl like Samantha Wolf.
Samantha
isn’t quite sure what to think of Free. He’s cute, sweet, and quirky, but his
outlandish costumes make him seem crazy. However, it turns out Sam has a soft
spot for theater nerds. And the more time they spend together, the more their
steamy romance begins to take center stage. Only problem is, there doesn’t seem
to be a script. And it’s anyone’s guess how this one will end.
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Samantha
found herself standing in the coffee shop waiting for whatever his
name was. How ridiculous was it that she liked a guy but didn’t
even know his name? She didn’t wait for guys; it wasn’t her
style. But she had a feeling he’d be coming to get his usual coffee
before rushing out to rehearsal.
Interesting
that he drank boring old black coffee. He was such a colorful, unique
guy in his costumes that it seemed he should have a more complicated
coffee order.
The
door opened and in he came, carrying a plastic bag. He wore a fedora
and a leather jacket instead of his longer overcoat. He smiled a
cocky grin and then she realized that he was Indiana Jones.
“You’re
here.”
He
tipped his hat. “I’m like a bad penny. I always turn up.”
He stepped toward the counter to order.
“Wait.”
She laid a hand on his arm and then realized that was more personal
than they’d been and snatched her hand back. “We’ve met and
talked a couple of times now, but I still don’t know your real
name.”
He
extended a hand to shake. “Humphrey, but my friends call me Free.”
“Free,”
she repeated with a nod and shook his hand.
The
name was unusual, but suited him. Old-fashioned, yet the nickname was
fresh. “Ready for coffee?”
“As
always.”
She
allowed him to order for her. She liked that he paid attention to her
order. Of course he waved off her offer to pay for hers. They sat at
a table and he slid the plastic bag over to her. “What’s this?”
“Open
it.”
Inside
the bag, she found five copies of The Little Engine That Could.
Her throat tightened.
“You
said there were kids, as in more than one, but I didn’t know how
many. I figured five would be a good number to start with.”
“You
bought me books?” The words barely squeezed out.
“What’s
the name of the shelter you work at?”
The
question had her looking up sharply. “Why?”
“My
mother is always looking for a cause and I told her about you needing
books. When I talked to her yesterday, she was ready to start working
on a book drive. But I didn’t know the name of your shelter, so I
couldn’t tell her.”
Sam
studied his face.
“Is
it a secret or something?”
“Not
really.” She hesitated. “The thing is, the women come to us for
shelter and safety. So while the name isn’t a secret, we don’t
advertise where to find us.”
His
face filled with confusion. “Then how do the women find you?”
“Word
of mouth, social services, churches.”
“You
don’t have to tell me anything. I can give you my mom’s number
and you can explain to her.”
“No.
I’m overreacting. It’s called the Hope Center.”
“Good
name.” He drank another sip. “I have to get going to rehearsal.”
“Before
you go, can you tell me why you’re dressed in a different costume
every time I see you? This is obviously not A Christmas Carol.”
He
pressed his lips together. “Last summer, my brother was warned by
his doctor to lose weight or he’d end up having a stroke. He was
embarrassed to go to a gym because he felt like everyone stared. I
volunteered to go with him and dress up in costume to draw attention
away from him.” He lifted a shoulder as if it was no big deal.
Sam’s
heart gave a little lurch. She’d known after that first chance
meeting that he was a sweet guy, albeit a little weird. This
confirmed it. “That’s really cool of you.”
“He’s
my big brother.” He stood to leave.
Books in the series (click on image for Goodreads link):
About the Author
Shannyn
Schroeder is the author of the O’Leary series, contemporary romances centered
around a large Irish-American family in Chicago and the Hot & Nerdy series
about 3 nerdy friends finding love. When she’s not wrangling her three kids or
writing, she watches a ton of TV and loves to bake cookies.
Author Links:
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