by
Name of cover designer: Robert Barrett
Love and Music In Texas Book 5
by
USA Today Bestselling Author Nikki Lynn Barrett
Name of cover designer: Robert Barrett
Life is full of choices...
Right before she turned sixteen, Taryn McAllister made several rebellious choices, one which led her to become the drummer for a major teen sensation country star. After a deadly accident, she made another choice - to get back on the wagon and play drums again, no matter that it took adapting because she's confined to a wheelchair.
Now another set of choices is thrust upon her. After reconnecting with her estranged best friend, Taryn is offered a chance to play drums for a local Texas band ready for the Nashville move. Her once strong confidence is shaken, and she's torn between her love of music and the reality that it might not work out.
Chris Roland made a string of bad choices, and it's left him feeling numb. Now he's playing the drums temporarily for his sister's band, but he knows this isn't the life for him. Problem is, he doesn't know what direction to go. He knows what he doesn't want, but can't decide on what he does want.
And then he meets Taryn, the feisty drummer who could be his replacement. He's relieved for a chance to break away....that is until he gets to know her. And while he's getting to know her, she's helping to open up a part of his soul that was long dead and buried.
It's high time to make the right choices. It's just a matter of deciding what choice is right.
“Okay, I've got the book.” Chris wrangled himself away from the woman's arm. “Alice, have you met Taryn? She's playing drums for Baby Stetson. We managed to steal her away from Kyra Sanders.” His eyes met hers, and Taryn knew right off the bat this made him uncomfortable.
Ah. This must be one of his casual sex partners. Fan-friggin-tastic. Taryn gave Alice a long glance. She could see why Chris was attracted to her. Alice had long, dark hair, big breasts, and plenty to offer. So what the hell did he continue to see her for if he could get things from women like Alice?
“Really? You play drums?” Alice didn't hide her shock.
“She's one of the best drummers I've ever had the pleasure of meeting.” Moving around Alice as she continued to gawk, Chris settled in the chair again, then slid the book over to Taryn. “Pick your poison.”
“Don't let Kyra hear you say that,” she giggled as she searched the book for Kyra's song listings. Then she realized Alice still lingered. “It's nice to meet you, Alice.” She stifled a laugh at the woman's look. She must not get rejected often. The feeling lasted for less than a minute before Taryn's insecurities crept in.
Not that she'd ever had a lot of success rates with men, but now she had a lot more stacked against her.
“Yeah, nice to meet you, too.” Alice faked it. She made it obvious. “You played drums for Kyra Sanders? Like seriously?”
“For three years.”
“Nice.” Alice brushed it off, then faced Chris. “Call me sometime. Soon. We need another good time.” She practically purred before sauntering off, swaying her ass as she moved.
“Taryn-” Chris started.
“Let me guess. She's one of your casuals,” she said at the same time, flipping the pages of the book back and forth in her hands.
“Was,” he corrected.
“Was?”
“Yes. Was. I don't want to be that person any longer.” He reached across and covered one of her hands. Taryn froze. The way she reacted to his touch scared her.
“What kind of person do you want to be?” Her voice cracked. Damn, she needed water.
“The person who gets and keeps your attention,” Chris said softly.
“But-” She darted a glance towards the way Alice went.
“Don't, Taryn. Don't look back at her and compare. I know you are. I didn't even remember her name until Melody said something about it being the girl who works at the inn. I know, it sounds bad as I say it.”
Yeah, yeah she was. Damn him for figuring it out.
I'm an avid lover of books. I've been writing as far back as I can remember, completing my first "book" by fifth grade in one of those one subject spiral notebooks. I have a passion for music, photography, jewelry and all things creative. I live in Arizona with my husband and son, but dream of being somewhere much colder and stormier. For now, I'll have to live that life through my characters and stick it out with the summer heat.
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Love and Music In Texas Book 5
by
USA Today Bestselling Author Nikki Lynn Barrett
Name of cover designer: Robert Barrett
Official genre of book: Contemporary romantic
Life is full of choices...
Right before she turned sixteen, Taryn McAllister made several rebellious choices, one which led her to become the drummer for a major teen sensation country star. After a deadly accident, she made another choice - to get back on the wagon and play drums again, no matter that it took adapting because she's confined to a wheelchair.
Now another set of choices is thrust upon her. After reconnecting with her estranged best friend, Taryn is offered a chance to play drums for a local Texas band ready for the Nashville move. Her once strong confidence is shaken, and she's torn between her love of music and the reality that it might not work out.
Chris Roland made a string of bad choices, and it's left him feeling numb. Now he's playing the drums temporarily for his sister's band, but he knows this isn't the life for him. Problem is, he doesn't know what direction to go. He knows what he doesn't want, but can't decide on what he does want.
And then he meets Taryn, the feisty drummer who could be his replacement. He's relieved for a chance to break away....that is until he gets to know her. And while he's getting to know her, she's helping to open up a part of his soul that was long dead and buried.
It's high time to make the right choices. It's just a matter of deciding what choice is right.
Chris glanced around as he entered the house.
“You look nervous,” Matt commented.
“A little. Right now, I'm making sure there aren't any traps set for me. I heard the girls were cooking up something earlier. I'm waiting for my life to flash before my eyes.”
Matt let out a laugh and Kyra smirked. “I promise, we haven't set any death traps. Only because I never know who's going to knock on my door.” She winked. “Taryn! You've got company! Let me know if I need to roll out our plan!”
Chris exchanged a look with Matt. He held up his hands. “I know nothing about this. I've been working all day. Good luck.” Matt patted him on the shoulder and left the living room.
Hell. What in the world had been said about him today?
“Hi,” Taryn said softly as she wheeled down the hallway and stopped right before entering the living room.
“All right, I have to ask. You aren't hiding any sort of weapon, are you?” Chris asked in jest. “Because ever since I walked in here, I have a feeling some sort of master plan has been devised.”
“You're welcome to do a search.” Taryn folded her arms over her chest, casting a grin his way. She eyed the flowers.
“Don't tempt me. I don't do well with surprises.” He held out the vase to her. “I don't know if you do the whole flowers thing, but I didn't let it stop me.”
“I think it's sweet, just saying!” Kyra called from the other room.
“Quiet, Kyra!” Taryn called back, stifling a giggle.
“Don't worry. We're leaving. I'll keep the instigator away for awhile,” Matt promised.
“You're supposed to be on our side!” Kyra protested.
“Someone has to stand up for the poor guy!” Matt and Kyra appeared in the doorway, both laughing.
“Thanks, Matt. Glad to know someone has my back.” Chris shook his head. “Is this a mess with my friend and you get everyone's wrath kind of thing?”
“Pretty much. Some things never change.” Kyra shrugged.
“How do you deal with this?” he asked Matt.
“I stay in their good graces,” came the simple, yet honest reply. “But to be fair, I've feared Kyra's wrath a few times.”
“Yes but Kyra's wrath is to put you in a song. Mine involve drumsticks,” Taryn warned.
“We're going now, I promise. See you two later.” Kyra waved, then allowed Matt to drag her out the door. When they were alone, Chris let out a nervous laugh. “So on a scale from one to ten, how much does everyone want to kill me?”
“Oh, it's been all over the place today.” Taryn nodded.
“Right now?”
A FOREVER MASTERPIECE
Name of cover designer: Robert Barrett
Official genre of book: Contemporary romantic suspense
Becca and Hunter plan a future without knowing their past...
Few people know the entire truth about Becca and Hunter's connection. Even fewer are living. One is in hiding, and another is closer than they think. They're still no closer to knowing everything. Hunter gets a piece of his old life back while Becca still longs for all the answers.
One terrifying night brings consequences....
Someone doesn't want them to find the answers and will go to dire lengths to keep the past hidden. The question is, who? With so many people involved, which one of them would go to the extreme to make sure they never know?
The hunter becomes the hunted.....
With the one person hiding who started the whole thing, everyone is desperate to find her and gain the truth or keep her silent forever. It's only a matter of time....
The final installment of the Masterpiece Trilogy is full of triumph, mystery, romance and so much more. Prepare for the twists and turns as Becca and Hunter make their way to forever.
Becca walked inside the art gallery, took one look, and wondered why in the world Brock wanted her to be here. Just from a simple glimpse at the paintings and photographs on the wall, she wondered how she'd fit in here. Hunter must have sensed her second guessing, because he gently moved to hold her hand, easing her closer to him. He leaned over and pointed. "I see an empty spot right there. That wall screams 'Rebecca Lange'."
God, she loved his enthusiasm. Becca laughed and whispered back, "No it doesn't."
Hunter was about to protest when she kissed his cheek. "It screams 'Rebecca Beckman'."
Hunter's eyes lit up. "Now that's the way to think." His lips grazed her check gently, like a butterfly's wings.
"This place is beautiful. Intimidating, though." She gestured at the walls with various paintings and photographs.
"Well hello! This is a surprise!" Brock ambled out of a room from the back, eagerly approaching them. "What brings you by?"
"My fiancé's spontaneous streak strikes again. We had a little time before friends come in for Thanksgiving, so he surprised me with a trip over here. Your gallery is amazing," Becca gushed.
"Thank you. It's one of my pride and joys. And," he pointed at the blank wall, "I agree with you. The wall is begging for your work. Since this is spur of the moment, you wouldn't happen to have anything with you then?"
"No," Becca replied, still taking this all in.
"Didn't think so, and that's okay. I've seen plenty of your stuff. What I'm thinking is an art show. I'll help you through this every step of the way." Brock gestured toward a black leather couch on the far end of the room. "Why don't we sit and chat about this for a bit?"
Nodding, she and Hunter followed him, Becca still in awe of this whole thing. Brock folded his hands and leaned forward, setting his intense gaze on her when they were all comfortable.
"I want to get an art show in for you as soon as possible. But that's going to depend on so many things. There's the holidays, and then there's personal things on both ends, as I know you two have stuff going on. Obviously I do as well, which is how we met. So for the meantime, I'd like to at least showcase two or three pieces to start off with. Is everything one of a kind?"
Becca nodded. "It is." Could she ever recreate a piece the same way as the original? She'd never tried it. She was a mood painter, obviously.
Brock's gaze moved to Hunter. "How attached are you to some of the pieces you've displayed in the Lange Center?"
Hunter laughed. "Hard to say. Anything from Becca, I'm attached to. If you're asking what I think you are, I'll part with the ones from the center, because the paintings I have the most sentimental attachment to are at home and will stay there. She's been filling my walls with paintings for years." He leaned over to kiss her cheek, smiling affectionately.
Her heart skipped a few beats. This was happening. Brock meant business! He wanted her work. She knew she had nothing to worry about. Brock wasn't going to be like the teacher from her past. This could happen!
"Yes, I was thinking of a few from the center to display and sell here. Give me a second and I'll pull out some papers- including a projected contract, that you two can look over." Brock shot to his feet and moved away to another room.
"Is this really happening?" Becca whispered, completely in awe.
"My favorite artist is about to become famous? Yep. You know I'm going to play the I told you so game for a while." Hunter smirked playfully, then hugged her. His eyes sparkled with love. "Seriously though, I'm so excited! An art show! Good things are coming, Bec. We just have to get through some of the hard stuff, too." Hunter jiggled a dance in his seat. "I'm marrying someone famous. I'm marrying someone famous," he chanted in a sing-song voice.
Laughter escaped Becca's lips when Hunter continued to dance and sing as Brock came back into the room. The sound of his laughter stopped Hunter short. Becca couldn't quit giggling! Hunter didn't embarrass easily, but for some reason he was today.
"Love the enthusiasm." Brock winked as he slid some papers across the table. "When's the wedding? I'll do my best to make her famous before you get married."
Becca snorted when Hunter's face turned red. "That's what you get for pulling the 'I told you so' on me." She nudged him, then turned to Brock. "We're getting married in March."
"Oh good! We have some time then." His smile was genuine.
Becca picked up the papers and studied them. When her gaze landed on a number with way too many zeros behind them, she gasped. "I think there might be a mistake there," she pointed.
"Oh no. Well, the numbers will vary depending on the piece, but that's what I'm thinking for the few I've seen. Is it too low?"
"Low?" Becca sputtered. He had to be kidding, but he sure looked serious. "No! It's high! I can't imagine someone spending that kind of money on a painting!" Let alone hers!
"Let me see," Hunter gently eased the papers from her hands. "Holy-" So the numbers even surprised him. She wasn't the only one then. Good.
Amazon ~ Barnes & Noble ~ Apple ~ KoboI'm an avid lover of books. I've been writing as far back as I can remember, completing my first "book" by fifth grade in one of those one subject spiral notebooks. I have a passion for music, photography, jewelry and all things creative. I live in Arizona with my husband and son, but dream of being somewhere much colder and stormier. For now, I'll have to live that life through my characters and stick it out with the summer heat. |
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