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September always begins my New
Year. Ever since I began first grade,
the return to school has signaled a new beginning for me. I loved getting back to school, seeing old
friends, meeting new teachers, and generally just enjoying the challenge of
learning new things.
People make new beginnings all the
time. They leave their old position for
a job that takes them across the country to try their hand at a new career.
They give themselves a total make-over, trying a different hairstyle, clothing
and make-up. And they try a new
relationship, leaving the old one that didn’t work so well, for the promise of
something that might lead to more than they had before.
We’ve all had new beginnings. They are scary and exciting and
nerve-wracking and wonderful. That’s why
we try them. Because every so often we
need to re-invent ourselves with something that challenges us.
I did that most prominently three
years ago when I decided to become a romance author. I didn’t quit my day job, but it no longer
takes the precedence it did before. I’m
focused on writing 24/7, even when I’m supposed to be doing other things. After so many years, sometimes you simply
have to try something new.
One person trying to take this message
to heart is my Almost Perfect heroine, Pam Kimball. She’s been through a messy divorce two years
previously, and is now ready to try to move on in the world of
relationships. So ready she jumps at the
chance provided by the gift of a 1Night Stand.
Pam longs to make a fresh start, put a new hot guy into her bed, and
erase the memory of her ex-husband.
The ultimate new beginning. Or so she thinks. Because the word “new” is relative in her
case.
Blurb for Almost Perfect:
Pamela Kimball’s birthday present, a 1Night
Stand adventure, promises to jump-start her life, put a new man in her bed, and
help her forget her past. Unfortunately, movie-buff Pam’s Pirates
of the Caribbean fantasy takes an alarming wrong turn when
she’s abandoned on a not quite deserted island—with ex-husband Roger
Ware.
Forced by hunger to accept Roger’s offer of
dinner, Pam realizes the geek she married has transformed into one of the
most charming, sexiest men she’s ever met. His newfound confidence—and hot
body—re-kindle old fires. A simple kiss
leads Roger to challenge her to discover how much his lovemaking skills have
improved, leaving Pam torn between self-preservation and burning desire.
With time running out before they’re
rescued, Pam must decide if her heart can survive the consequences of becoming
Roger’s “almost” perfect 1Night Stand.
Excerpt for Almost Perfect:
She inched into the lapping surf,
searching for movement. Reflection off the water made this task harder than
expected. Wasn’t the Caribbean supposed to be teeming with fish? Now that’s something she’d had a lot of
instruction in. Almost every marooned-on-an-island movie had a scene where the
heroine learned to catch fish. Six Days, Father Goose, Blue
Lagoon. All you needed was your hands and patience. She could do this.
Pam waded out further then stopped
just before the water hit her now dry shorts. “Not gonna to have a damp crotch
all night.” The words reminded her of exactly what she had hoped for
tonight. “But not from wet shorts!” She headed back to shore to remove and
drape them next to her shirt. The bandeau was a different story. Still damp,
even after several hours, and uncomfortable. Might dry better if not next to
her skin anyway. “Screw it! Live
dangerously.”
Standing as good as naked on the
deserted beach, Pam smiled as the warm breeze caressed her bare body. The sense
of being slightly naughty added to her delight in the sensual feel of the air
as it dried her breasts. Her nipples peaked as the wind cooled them. She
strutted down to the water’s edge to sink her toes in the sand, the salty tang
in the air adding to the perfect moment.
“If you’re skinny dipping, you forgot
to remove one very important piece of clothing.”
Pam whirled around. Roger stood on the
beach behind her, a green bottle of Perrier in one hand. His gaze played up and
down her naked torso and his salacious grin widened. “Mind if I join you?”
Have you made a new beginning in your
life? How did it turn out? I’d love to hear from you! And one random commenter will receive an e-copy
of Almost Perfect.
No new beginning for me but my son has started a new life across the ocean from us in Texas. Miss him.....
ReplyDeleteI understand completely, Barbara. I'm getting ready for my daughters' new beginnings in college in a year or two. It's hard thinking of them not being at home for the first time. But we all had our own beginnings out of the family nest. Our parents survived and I guess we will too. :) Thanks for stopping by.
DeleteFunny Jenna, I always have felt like September was the beginning of the year as well, for the same reasons as you. Enjoyed your post...a nice way to start out the day!
ReplyDeleteI remember the few years I wasn't either in school or teaching. September just didn't feel like anything and that was very upsetting. If I ever am lucky enought to be able to write full-time, I'll have to figure out a way to keep the September New Year as well. LOL Thanks for coming by, Christine!
DeleteI love new beginnings/new years. Mine has always been January, but I like your theory about September being a new year, too.
ReplyDeleteThanks for coming by, Kristina! Lots of new beginnings for writers--every time we write a new book or series. :) I guess we become used to those changes pretty quickly.
DeleteI don't like change a whole lot, but there are times I like new beginnings. Something fresh, different. Sometimes change is good and I need to remind myself of that.
ReplyDeleteI never rearrange my furniture. That kind of change is very upsetting to me. This is my cave, don't mess with it.LOL Other than that, I'm used to change with new classes and students each year. But you're right, Sharon, sometimes we have to remind ourselves that change, though disruptive, can be a good thing. Thanks so much for coming by!
DeleteNew beginnings have always scared me. I'm not one for change, but sometimes change has turned out to be just what I needed.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed Almost Perfect--it was a wonderful read!
Thank you so much, Brenda! I'd have thought you were fearless! I bet the BIG change--brought on by the Zomboro Virus--won't faze you! LOL Thanks for coming by!
DeleteI hate change! Anything changes and it throws me.
ReplyDeleteI'd think you have a lot of change in your life with the horses and cattle. And the weather in your neck of the woods. But knowing you, D'Ann, you bounce back from a change and keep on going. :) Thanks for coming by!
DeleteSometimes I need change, it sparks new ideas. And I'd find life boring if nothing didn't change.
ReplyDeleteSo true, Karen! Although I'm not one who needs constant change. I'm a traditionalist who likes to stir things up every once in a while. Like the beginning of a new year. :) Thanks for coming by, Karen!
ReplyDeleteI quit my job to write. Of course my husband now expects everything served up to him, so I've become quite a better wife in all ways. But yes, I'd love to read this book. ayala . rachelle @ gmail . com
ReplyDelete