Title: Christmas On Wherever Island
Author: Amber Polo
Genre: Paranormal Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Wild Rose Press
Number of Pages: 67
Marti Bell is facing the prospect of a very unmerry Christmas. Reluctantly leaving her married lover, she travels toward ice, snow, and judgmental family until a magic Santa sends her to a surprise destination in the warm waters of the Caribbean. Wherever Island would be paradise, except the only place to stay is the beach side cottage of gorgeous globetrotting photographer Cliff Holmes. Cliff wants to unwind and treat Marti to a little romantic Caribbean Christmas fun but she’s determined to stay in the warm ocean and out of hot water.
I have to admit that I was hesitant about going into this one, however once I started reading this I'm glad I gave it a chance. Marti is a likable heroine, who just fell for the wrong guy. I was cheering for Cliff throughout the whole book, and loved the connection that the two had with each other and that it wasn't "insta-love." Marti knows what she wants, and it isn't Cliff. I loved seeing her realize that she deserved better and that maybe just maybe there is a little magic in the air that brought her and Cliff together. This was just a delightful holiday read-my favorite holiday read of the year so far!
Excerpt:
She found a public phone and looked out at the blowing snow,
trying to think of alternative ways of getting to Minneapolis. Expecting
sympathy, she called her mother and explained that she was stuck at O’Hare. Her
mother said, “If you can’t be here for opening gifts tonight, you’ll miss the
important part. Michael was never late. You could have called sooner.”
“I didn’t know this would happen. The weather…my flight…I’ll
figure something out and call you back.”
“It’ll be too late.”
“Too late?” Marti heard “Peace on earth and mercy mild…”
playing in the background.
“Why even bother to show up if it’s not important enough to
get here on time.”
She bit her lip. “Couldn’t you wait for me?”
“You know we always open gifts on Christmas Eve.” Her mother
sounded exasperated. “The grandchildren.” Marti heard the accusation in her
mother’s voice and replied, “Sorry,” mumbling “Merry Christmas,” before the
click.
She moved away from the phone. She’d taken responsibility
for the airline and the weather. Why did she always do that? She was not
responsible for a winter storm. From cold and teary, her body temperature rose
until she was hot and furious. She wasn’t going to take the blame again. This
holiday was going to be different.
She pushed her way to the only available ticket agent in the
entire airport and handed her ticket over the counter. “I want to exchange
this.”
She read the agent’s red airline blazer nametag, Sam
Nichols, and looked into a smiling black face fringed with white beard.
“What is your destination, Miss?”
The man’s honeyed accent calmed her. A Santa hat sat at a
jaunty angle over close-cropped silver hair gave him an impish look. Just
looking at him made her feel better. Her spirit buoyed and she laughed.
“Someplace with better weather.”
“That won’t be hard, Ma’am.” He gazed into her eyes.
He winked and his sparkling green eyes dazzled her. She took
a breath. Everything was going to be fine. She knew it. “Good. Because that’s
where I’m going.”
“Where’s that?” Now his eyes sparkled brighter.
“Wherever.”
“You’re serious?” His face lit up.
“Completely.”
He nodded and typed into his terminal. A new ticket printed
out. “One ticket to Wherever. Leaving Terminal C, Gate 56. You can make it.” He
winked again. “I like a lady with spunk.”
There is a tour wide giveaway of a copy of The Shapeshifters’ Library, a Starbarks Coffee Hound mug, plus some treats for your favorite dog
To enter just use the rafflecopter below. The winner will be announced on Amber's website.
About the author:
Amber Polo has had a lifelong love affair with libraries and dogs. A fascination with lost ancient libraries and curiosity about why werewolves outnumbered dog-shifters in literature inspired her new urban fantasy series filled with librarian dog-shifters.
“Released” Book One of The
Shapeshifters' Library celebrates St. Nicholas Eve as a magic night for the
dog-shifters. They celebrate in the old style with wassail, gingerkucken, and
old fashioned traditions. Share their fun. Read The Shapeshifters’ Library
Book One. Book Two, Retrieved is also now available for sale!
Buy links for Released: Amazon
Buy links for Released: Amazon
