Deadly Peril

  “Yes. And we agreed we’d kick off our shoes and fall in like?”

  “Right.” She smiled. “Well, we fell in love without expecting it, so that’s truly the best place for us to celebrate.”

  He reached across the table and cupped his hands around her head, leaning over the table to give her a hot, firm kiss.

  “And to start the rest of our lives,” he agreed. “Blessed by Barefoot Bay.”

  From Desiree

  People ask me all the time if I always wanted to be a writer. I don’t know if “always” is the word, but certainly for all the years I can remember. I was a voracious reader, as were my mother and sister, and books held a royal place in our home. The funny thing is I always thought I would write mysteries because that’s what we all read. I didn’t read my first romance until 2004, when I was sitting with the same three chapters of a mystery on my computer that had been there for three months. But then my eyes were opened, and they never closed.

  Submitting that first book was scary, but after a lot of rejections you stop being scared and become determined I’m glad I never gave up, because I am having the most fun in my life I have ever had. (Well, maybe not ever! LOL!) So, here I am, with all these titles under my belt.

  Writing a book is a solitary experience, but it never comes to the bookshelves, virtual or other, alone. For me it starts with my treasured friend and beta reader extraordinaire, Margie Hager, who has the best eagle eye in the world. Thank you, Margie my love, for all the hours you put in to help me bring my stories to life. And for your friendship, which is a highlight of my life. And to Janet Rodman who always looks out for me.

  Then there is my family. Do they read my books? Absolutely not! But they are the best public relations team in the world. From my daughter Amy who tells all her clients about me to my son Steve who makes sure he tells everyone he knows when I have a book released to my younger daughter Suzanne who is my good right hand and my granddaughter Kayla who is my wonderful left hand. Guys, I could not do it without you. If you see me at a convention, Suzanne will not be far from my side.

  My cats, of course, keep me company while I write. And you all have seen pictures of Bast at the keyboard with me. She thinks she should get co-author credit!

  Thanks to all the people who let me pester them for information, on all the different topics I tackle, from SEALs to Force Recon Marines to Delta Force soldiers to the local sheriff to the people at Beretta and the folks at the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo. I’m sure I’ve forgotten someone and, if I have, I am so sorry because the time you continue to give me is very special.

  Last but very far from least are all of you, my wonderful readers, who send me such great emails and posts and are so faithful. A special shoutout to Phuong Phen, Fedora Chen, Shirley Long, Patricia Sager, Misty Dawn, Courtney Kinder, Denise Chapman-Hendrickson, and so many others who share my journey with me. In frustrating times you give me the inspiration to push ahead.

  I love you all so much. You are my extended family and I send you all many hugs.

  There are a lot more stories to come. Please stay tuned.

  Desiree