Smoke
and Ashes
Montana
Heroes Series
Book
One
Danica
Winters
Genre:
Romantic Suspense
Publisher:
Harlequin Intrigue
Date
of Publication: May 1, 2016
ISBN:
Paperback: 9780373699070
eBook:
9781488005572
Large
Print: 9780373749614
ASIN:
B015MO3ZV4
Number
of pages: 224
Word
Count: 50-55k
Cover
Artist: Harlequin Intrigue
Book
Description:
Montana's
bravest…and hottest
With
a mysterious arsonist on the loose in Missoula, fire inspector Kevin
Jensen saves more than Heather Sampson's house. The sexy single
father rescues her from an abusive marriage—and discovers his own
past failures don't have to rule his life. Especially when sparks
between him and Heather ignite irresistible desire.
But
who's the arsonist? Why target Heather? What's his shocking motive?
When Heather faces off with him in a brutal attack, she needs her
"white knight" as much as he needs her. Both have looked
into their souls and risked their broken hearts for each other. Now
Kevin will have to risk his life and his heart.
Prologue
He
looked down at Heather Sampson as he pulled the matchbox from his
pocket. The box dropped from his hand, spilling matches on her
bedroom floor in a heap of deadly promise. Crouching down, he scooped
them back into the container, careful to move quietly, afraid that at
any second she would awaken and find him standing over her.
Her
eyes were closed and her lips slightly parted, as if she waited for a
kiss from her Prince Charming. She should have known better. There
was no such thing as Prince Charming. There were only toads and a
precious few men like him—men who worked to make everything just.
The
sad truth was that there was no justice in marriage—at least not in
any of the marriages he had witnessed. No. Marriage was one lie after
another. One hurt feeling masked with a fake smile, only to have
another lie strip it away. It was an endless cycle of pain.
What
was the point? What was it all for?
As
far as he could tell, it was for nothing more than ego and some
idealistic hope that if they acted happy, if they faked it well
enough, maybe they could finally believe it themselves.
He
was here to make her a martyr, not that she would understand, but
this was his chance to show her and the world what her marriage truly
was—nothing more than smoke and ashes. A fire that had yet to burn
itself out. But at last the time had come. The hour was here for him
to stoke the flames and let them consume every crumb of her failing
marriage.
The
inferno could have it all.
He
walked out of her bedroom and made his way downstairs, where the
glorious scent of gasoline filled the space. Unlike the others,
Heather’s house would go up in a flash. In one giant fireball the
whole charade would be over—the secrets, the lies, the fake smiles
and hurt feelings. It would all be gone, and all her pain could be
for a higher purpose.
The
night air blew into the house, diluting the gas’s perfume. He made
sure to leave the door open as he stepped out and walked toward the
garage. A puddle of gas sat on the sidewalk, just waiting for him.
He
struck the match.
It
was so much easier this way.
The
fire’s smoke curled skyward, creating a trail that led to the
heavens. If he had his way, life would be better and she would be
free.
About
the Author:
Danica
Winters is an Amazon bestselling author who has won multiple awards
for writing books that grip readers with their ability to drive
emotion through suspense and occasionally a touch of magic. Most
recently, Danica was the winner of the Paranormal Romance Guild’s
Paranormal Romantic Suspense Book of the Year Award and Chanticleer
Media’s Paranormal Book of the Year for her novel Montana Mustangs.
She is currently the finalist for the Chatelaine Award.
When
she’s not working, she can be found in the wilds of Montana testing
her patience while she tries to understand the allure of various
crafts (quilting, pottery, and painting are not her thing). She
always believes the cup is neither half full nor half empty, but it
better be filled with wine.
Danica
Winters is represented by Nicole Resciniti and Lane Heymont of the
Seymour Agency.
I've seen some hard, hard places come down to smoke and ash.
ReplyDeleteMe too, Richard! Hope you love the book!
DeleteSuspense and an occasional touch of magic...sounds good and mysterious.
ReplyDeletesavewish@yahoo.com
Sherry Compton
;) Thanks,Sherry!
DeleteHope you enjoy it! !
ReplyDeleteLove buying books to read this one looks like a great read thanks.
ReplyDeleteI really think I would enjoy this book! Sounds like a great read!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing the prologue. Sounds like an interesting book!
ReplyDeleteDeborah