The series readers are calling, "Hot, steamy, and deliciously complicated."
Echoing Hearts
The Echo Series Book 1
by C.R. Alam
Genre: Contemporary Romance
From
the series readers are calling, "Hot, steamy, and deliciously
complicated."
The harder they resist, the louder their
hearts echo each other.
Rae
Allen doesn't believe in the happily-ever-after. After watching her
mother deteriorate from a broken heart into a full depression, she
vowed never to fall in love. She is living her dream, traveling the
world, and getting paid for it. She does not need a man.
Dean
Rowland has no complaints. He has a thriving business, more money
than he'll ever need, and supportive family and friends. Even after
his fiancée ditched him at the altar, he kept going like nothing had
happened. Swearing off women and affairs was his best decision.
One
spring afternoon in Georgia, their lives collide. Rae's first
impression of Dean is that he's hot; her second is he's an ass. Dean
isn't expecting a sassy redhead trespassing into his property, let
alone having to play host to her. Unknown to them, this unexpected
weekend is only the beginning that will change their lives
forever.
Until Rae's rockstar best friend, Brandon, comes into
the picture, stirring up jealousy and doubt between them. Struggling
with unexpected passion, longing, and distrust in this emotional
rollercoaster ride, will they recognize and embrace love when being
in love is their biggest fear?
His Forever Muse
The Echo Series Book 2
From
the series readers are calling, "Hot, steamy, and deliciously
complicated."
What if you've known the love of your life
since he was six years old and happens to be your little brother's
best friend? But the man whom Callie runs into in the middle of the
desert in Morocco isn't the little Brandon Rossi she once knew. He is
a work of art.
Brandon Rossi is the boy-next-door in a
rock star package. As the front man of the rock band Canis Major, a
visual artist, and an avid stargazer, he expresses his thoughts and
feelings through his music, arts, and tattoos. When he hits an
invisible wall that hinders his ability to create, he starts on a
quest to find inspiration. Who knew Brandon's ultimate inspiration
comes in the form of an unconventional beauty with golden eyes? He
did. He always knew because she was the one who got away.
Calliope Chen-Bisset is a hard-working Parisian art gallerist who has gone through many hurdles in life. She was once broken, but she has tried her best to put herself back together—piece by piece. She doesn't think she'll be whole again until a blast from the past reminds her of who she is. The years haven't dulled their connection. They've intensified it.
Brandon
is willing to lay down everything for her, but will Calliope open up
to him like she once did? Will she let a little fact that he is her
little brother's best friend stop her? Or will it be her past that
cast a shadow on their future?
This book has mature
situations and some domestic violence themes, though without graphic
depiction, which may be considered triggers for some. However, it is
also a story of rising from the ashes stronger. Reader discretion is
advised.
Unexpected Entanglement
The Echo Series Book 3
From
the series readers are calling, "Hot, steamy, and deliciously
complicated."
When a simple favor turns into an
unexpected entanglement.
Rowan
Kelly has one goal for the next two weeks: throw the most beautiful
wedding for her cousin. So what if the inn she inherited isn’t
quite ready or staffed? She’s resourceful and scrappy enough to
make it happen all by herself. She doesn’t need some nosy, charming
stranger with smiles that both irritate her and make her woman’s
bits tingle to swoop in to save the day.
World-renowned
hotelier Chris Sullens only planned on spending twenty-four hours in
Vinalhaven. So why the hell did he sacrifice his well earned vacation
and offer to help the fiery gorgeous innkeeper plan a wedding
instead? He tries to keep things professional, but his self-control
has its limits, especially when he suddenly has to play the role of
the stubborn woman’s doting fiance.
As strange occurrences
threaten the wedding, the inn’s future, and Rowan’s safety, can
they work together to keep things from blowing up in their faces? Or
will their unbridled passion entangle them into something more than
they bargained for?
Book 1 - Echoing Hearts, an enemies-to-lovers billionaire
romance.
The annoyance level on
the handsome face seemed to elevate instead of dissipating with her every word.
Without responding to Rae, he pushed himself off to the other side of the pool.
He pulled himself out in one smooth move.
Taken aback by the
unwelcoming attitude, Rae could only follow his lithe movements. She got a good
look at his swimmer’s
lean muscled upper body, a defined stomach that narrowed down to strong-looking
hips, and a fine behind. She couldn’t help but appreciate his well-toned long legs in
clinging black swimming trunks before he grabbed a large white towel to dry
himself off.
Realizing she was
gawking, Rae averted her gaze to the sky and tried to fill the silence. “I
rang the doorbell several times. When nobody answered, I thought I’d go—”
“Snoop
around a private property?” he interrupted without even giving her a glance.
Sensing the quiet
hostility in his otherwise intriguingly even voice, Rae was lost for words for
a few seconds. The thought that Mrs. Hamilton was lucky to have both a
beautiful home and a sexy husband evaporated from her mind.
She didn’t just drive four hours for some
man to accuse her of breaking and entering. She took several quick steps to
confront him but stopped once he turned to her as if he had some invisible
power to freeze her. But he didn’t manage to suppress her rising temper.
“I’ve actually
been requested to snoop around this property this weekend.” Rae used her
sweet-as-honey voice with a hint of a sting. “Mrs.
Hamilton arranged it with Homes magazine. She must’ve forgotten to cc you on the memo.”
This time, he merely
raised his eyebrow at her. One eyebrow.
Rae stifled a groan of
irritation as she watched him pick up a cellphone and walk away to make a call.
She pulled out her own phone and dialed Susan.
“Hi,
you’ve
reached Susan Adler’s
phone. Please leave a message,” the automated reply came on.
“Susan, I’m here at the property, but there’s no
Katherine Hamilton to meet me.” Rae hissed into the phone. “Instead,
there’s
a guy here who looks ready to chop my head off for trespassing. Call me back.
Or better yet, please fix this.”
She then tried calling
the number for Katherine Hamilton once more. Another voicemail.
Rae sighed and tried
to clamp down on her growing frustration. She reminded herself she was good at
going with the flow and finding her way out of a jam. It was just a mix-up.
Nothing she hadn’t
handled before.
But boy, that Mr.
Hamilton really got her goat without even trying. She swept her gaze to the
lake’s
calm surface and took a deep breath. A spring afternoon in the south could get
a bit toasty. But after spending her childhood in Minnesota, Rae would savor a
sunny warm day in early April anytime.
But then a cool breeze
blew in, and her nose tickled. “Haa…choo!”
The sneeze didn’t stop with
one. Another two followed consecutively.
“Pollen,” the deep voice came from
behind her and surprised Rae’s sneezing to a stop.
Snatching a tissue
from her purse, Rae quickly cleaned her nose as she muttered, “No
shit.”
Apparently, she
misjudged the volume of her voice because when she turned, Mr. Hamilton’s
questioning raised eyebrow indicated he’d heard her. But at least he looked somewhat amused.
Perhaps, she could still clear up any misunderstanding. She could swallow her
pride for the sake of professionalism.
“Look,
I’d
like to apologize again. Obviously, you weren’t informed of my arrival. There was
a last-minute change, but I am supposed to be here,” Rae started. “But
if this weekend has become inconvenient, I’m sure Homes can arrange a new time.”
Rae studied the
infuriating man—still distractingly bare-chested, she noted—trying to gauge his
reaction. But his mouth didn’t even twitch to indicate that he’d accepted her explanation.
Fine. I don’t
need to take this crap. I tried.
Rae turned up her
smile. “I will go. Thank you for your…” she paused before
injecting a trace of venom into her voice, “…hospitality.”
She spun around and
was already halfway down the steps when his voice stopped her in her tracks.
“Kat
is on her way,” he said. “She asked if you’d wait.”
Rae rolled her eyes
and exhaled slowly to release her exasperation. He couldn’t tell her that before she stomped
away?
Turning toward the man
yet again, Rae said through gritted teeth, “I really don’t want to bother—”
“Too
late,” he deadpanned. “Have a seat. Kat will be here soon.”
Without another word,
he walked away to the far side of the house and vanished through a set of
French doors. Rae was left alone where she stood with her mouth open.
Book 2 - His Forever Muse (Childhood friends to lovers romantic suspense)
Brandon hurried into
the main courtyard, brushing his damp hair back with his fingers for some
semblance of order. A mosaic-tiled fountain stood at its center, surrounded by
green plants, giving the courtyard an oasis vibe. On the other side of it, a
woman stood talking to Chris.
Facing away from him,
Brandon could see that she was of medium height, slender, and dressed in a
breezy linen shirt in the color of young leaves paired with wide-legged cream
pants. She wore her straight dark hair in a sleek chin-length bob. The woman
looked well put together, yet casual and comfortable. It was a refreshing
change from the usual head-to-toe black that gallery people usually favored.
As he approached them,
the woman laughed at something Chris said. The melodic sound of her laughter
froze Brandon and sent him suddenly through memories of innocent youth.
Hot summer days, band
sessions in his parents’ garage, that familiar laugh filling the air, the fresh
fragrance of citrus filling his randy teenage senses, sketches of a dark-haired
girl with golden eyes scattered on the floor of his childhood bedroom, and
heartache.
His heart ached inside
his chest now as Brandon breathed out. “Calliope.”
The woman slowly
turned to the sound of Brandon’s voice, or did the slow-motion effect only occur in his
mind? Most likely, but the stunned look on her face was genuine.
Brandon was still in a
daze as she stood before him. “Space Cadet Brandon Rossi.”
The childhood moniker
snapped his brain back to the present. “Wow, haven’t heard that nickname for years.”
“And
I still cringe every time someone calls me Calliope.”
Brandon studied the
sophisticated woman staring back at him. She wasn’t the girl who had worn pigtails in
grade school or carried a heavy backpack full of books in middle school, or
even the girl who had juggled advanced classes with volleyball practices and
games throughout high school. But he’d recognize that inviting laugh and those amazing eyes
no matter how much she’d changed.
“It’s been a
while, Callie.” Brandon moved to hug her but was shocked at how awkward he felt
giving her the simple greeting. Their bodies touched just a moment, but the
familiar citrus fragrance from his memory enveloped him and lingered even as
they pulled apart.
“You
know each other. What a small world.” Chris observed the interaction between
his two guests with interest.
“We
go way back.” Brandon couldn’t take his eyes off Callie. Like he’d said, it’d been a while. Too long.
“Brandon
is a friend of my brother’s.” Callie
turned a professional smile to Chris.
Brandon’s brows shot up at Callie’s explanation of their connection.
It was true—Callie’s brother
was one of his best friends and bandmates—but he and Callie had had their own
history.
“Callie
is Curtis’
sister,” Brandon
explained “We’ve known
each other since Curtis and I were six years old and she was seven.”
“Seven
and a half,” Callie corrected.
Chris studied Callie’s face with
new recognition. “I didn’t know Curtis had a sister. I see it now. I should’ve put it
together when I saw your last name—Chen-Bisset. Curtis Bisset.
“Chen-Bisset?” Brandon questioned
the new hyphenated last name.
“I
added my family’s
Chinese surname that my mother tried hard to forget.”
“Right,”
Brandon remembered. “It suits you.”
Callie smiled but was
quick to change the subject. “How do you know each other?”
“Long
story, but basically mutual good friends,” Brandon answered.
Chris checked his
watch. “Why don’t we get on with business now and swap stories over
dinner later? I hope you don’t mind Brandon joining us for the meeting. I’d like to
have his perspective as an artist.”
“Of
course.” Callie nodded and walked with Chris to where she’d left her things.
Still rooted to where
he stood, Brandon followed Callie with his eyes. He’d expected to experience all kinds
of surprises on this trip. A blast from the past in the form of Calliope
Chen-Bisset wasn’t
one of them. One would think fifteen years would dull Callie’s effect on him, but apparently
not. Judging from how his blood rushed through his body at double time, his
adolescent self had reemerged after seeing the woman Callie had become.
Book 3 - Unexpected Entanglement (A small town/island fake
engagement romance)
Chris sat on one of
the few seats in the small coffee shop he’d seen earlier. He’d walked the entire rows of businesses on Vinalhaven’s
little down town, gone into every store, checked the menu of every food
establishment.
He sipped his coffee
and nodded his approval. He loved his cup of joe dark with a full body, and the
girl behind the counter served him a potent brew.
Chris checked his
emails on his phone. He was supposedly on vacation, but he always had
difficulty disconnecting. After working to establish three resorts in five
years, he could use the rest. Maybe he’d stay a day or two longer to relax. He’s got a feeling there was more to
Vinalhaven than what he’d seen.
He looked up from his
phone when the door to the coffee shop opened. Two women walked in having a
discussion. The contrast between the two ladies caught his interest.
The taller one was
dressed in a white shirt tucked into a pair of loose blue jeans that looked
more comfortable than fashionable. Her braided black hair and almond-shaped
brown eyes indicated she was of Asian descent. She listened to the more petite
one in cutoff jean shorts and a rust-colored T-shirt that flaunted her curves,
with her hair wound and tucked under a trucker’s hat. The cap’s bill shadowed her eyes.
He overheard the tall
one say, “I have a couple of new recruits I’ve been training. They’re new to
the island—starting over, you can say.”
“Are
they trustworthy?” Petite asked with a slight frown.
Chris’ ears perked at the rich alto timbre coming out of
Petite. Not what he expected at all.
“They’ve been
vetted.”
“All
right.” Petite shrugged. “I’ll see you at Bright Head at nine,
then?”
“I’ll be
there.” The other lady smiled. “Can I buy you coffee before you go?”
“Thanks,
maybe another time. I have to pick up the chefs at the ferry and then head
back.” Petite winked and flashed a toothy grin. “Until
tomorrow.”
Did the
sexy-voiced-petite say Bright Head?
Before Chris could
gather his cup and stand, the petite woman had already disappeared out the
door. He rushed out and spotted her walking around the red truck he’d seen
earlier.
“Excuse
me, miss,” Chris called out as he approached.
The woman stopped,
turned her head toward his direction, then looked up at his face as he smiled
at her. “Yes?”
“I’m sorry to
bother you, but do you work at the Bright Head Farm & Inn at Long Cove?” Chris
asked.”
Her gaze behind her
sunglasses went slowly to the truck’s door as if saying duh. “Why
do you ask?”
“I’m heading
up there to see the owners.” Chris turned up the wattage in his smile to look
as harmless as possible. “I was wondering if you could give
me—”
Her eyes narrowed as
she cut him off, “Do you have an appointment? I wasn’t informed to pick up anyone
besides our chefs from the ferry.”
“I
want to surprise them,” Chris casually answered. He bluffed his way through
conversations with or about people he should’ve “known” all the time.
“How
are they, anyhow? Rowan and Kieran?” Dropping first names always helped gain
trust.
She finally smiled. “Oh,
you’re
a friend of the Kellys?”
“Uh…” Chris didn’t want to lie outright, so he just
shrugged while maintaining an amiable expression.
“I’m sorry,
what’s
your name again?” she asked.
“Chris.”
“I
tell you what, Chris,” she said as she retreated. “I
won’t
spoil your surprise, but unfortunately, I can’t give you a ride. Not enough room
in the cab, you see. Two people are waiting for me at the ferry terminal with
their luggage. You understand?”
“I
wasn’t—”
“A
shuttle from the hotel down the street runs past us.” She didn’t listen to his answer as she
walked to the driver’s side door. “I’m sure they’ll be
willing to drop you off.”
“Don’t you have
a shuttle for your guests?” Chris questioned, a little miffed by her brusque
dismissal. But he might as well try to get some information.
“Currently,
I’m
all there is,” she flashed him a cheeky grin. “I’m sorry, I
can’t
accommodate you unless you’d be willing to ride on the…”
She gestured to the
bed of her truck, which was already filled with cans of paint and what looked
like maintenance supplies.
“It
won’t
be comfortable, though.” She added, “Can I suggest a bicycle? It’s a great
day for it.”
“I
have a bike,” Chris answered. “But—”
“Perfect!
I’m
sorry, but I have to go.” She opened her door. “Maybe
I’ll
see you up there later?”
She hopped behind the
steering wheel and started the truck.
“Count
on it.” Chris stepped onto the curb by the passenger door and watched her check
her side mirror.
The leggy Asian woman
from earlier suddenly came running to her friend in the truck. “I
forgot to tell you I’ll
have to print out a new contract. I’ll bring it with me in the morning.
“Great,”
Petite replied.
“All
right. See you tomorrow, Rowan.” Legs waved as she walked away.
Rowan.
Chris’ rounded eyes flew to Petite’s face. She grinned and pulled out
of the parking spot, leaving him standing at the curb like a deer caught in a
headlights.
C. R. Alam loves to write heartfelt and steamy love stories with strong yet vulnerable characters readers would root for. There hasn't been a main character she's written about whom she didn't fall in love with despite their shortcomings. She'll laugh with her characters, cry along with them, then laugh again in the end. When she's not reading or writing, you'll most likely find her in the kitchen, cooking, baking, or eating while wearing her trusted Birks, sweatpants, and "I'm emotionally attached to fictional characters" T-shirt. After a whirlwind decade of living abroad, C. R. now lives in Durham, NC, with her husband, daughter, and cat.
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Thank you for posting about The Echo Series, I love the covers, synopses and excerpt and I can't wait to read these stories
ReplyDeleteI liked the excerpt. Sounds really good.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds very interesting!
ReplyDelete