I’m changing stories and genres today and returning to my American historical series, posting first lines from Acquisitions and Mergers. We’re  in Isaca, Texas, 1889, for Unlikely Gentlemen, Book 3.
Beth Harper sighed as she polished the counter. It was a normal day at the store, a little slow but that gave her plenty of time to catch up on her work. She’d sorted and filed the mail, shelved the canned goods, and swept the floor.
If no customers came into the Isaca Mercantile in the next few moments, she could flip over the sign that said “Closed” and finish the batch of lilac scented soap she’d started earlier in the day.
Who am I kidding? I’m on borrowed time and know it. She’d been gibbering mentally ever since she’d seen Bern Martin at the Annona Ice Cream Social. The arrogant ass hadn’t followed her home, so for the time being at least, she’d escaped the devil’s notice.
Synopsis:Â
Bernard Frederick Martin III, wealthy scion and ruthless banker, is in Annona and that can only mean trouble for Elizabeth Harper. The wickedly handsome rogue was once Beth’s boss. She doesn’t want to leave her home and friends, but It’s only a matter of time until he makes her pay for calling him names and bashing him over the head.
Bern was intent on learning the family business from the ground up until the charming bottom of a lowly bank teller distracted him. After a calculated and skillful seduction he proposed—that she become his mistress. The little witch threatened to slit his gullet (whatever the hell that meant), clubbed him with a bottle of his best champagne, and fled.
He’s tracked the lovely widow to Texas, not sure once he’s found her what to do next. But after catching a glimpse of Beth at the Annona Ice Cream Social, Bern’s plan becomes—spare no cost; acquire and merge.
Unlikely Gentlemen Books 1, 2, and 2.5 Available Now:
River’s Edge- http://amzn.to/1er2L5b
Outrageous Pride–Â http://amzn.to/1aWnfz6
I have no idea how I didn’t find you before this but I am happy I did. I love your voice. Can’t wait to read more!
Oh my gosh you just made my week! Thank you so much for those words of encouragement.
“Anything by Gem” is now written in permanent ink on my To Be Read list.
This one is going to be a merry chase! 🙂
Aha. Now I’m wondering why he didn’t let her know that he had seen her. I’ll have to come back, eh? :O)
I’m betting that someone shows up before she changes the sign.
Wonder who might walk in?
Nice 8!
You paint the perfect picture of the shop and her predicament. What happens next coming soon. So good, Gem.
Filed the mail, shelved the cans, and swept the floor – perfect for the time period. She does it all with attitude.
I’m intrigued. I really want to know more about “The arrogant ass.” lol
Oh dear, for Beth. Love the blurb, though, Gem. Can’t believe he doesn’t know what “slit his gullet” means, lol. Great snippet.
great opening lines and I’m intrigued by the statement that she’s on “borrowed time”… wanna know more!!
Oh boy, sounds like some deep trouble brewing.
First time stopping in but I’m hooked. I agree with Karen i want to know more about this “arrogant ass”
It’s a lovely, busy scene you’ve painted in these eight lines. I think she needs her business to succeed quickly and maybe that’s the “borrowed time” she talks about?
🙂 Good 8, Gem, and fantastic blurb! You sold me on it. Another to add to my TBR. I haven’t even left a review for Cat Nip yet ( I liked it!). ~Sigh~ So danged many stories and so precious little time!
Fabulous setup. Again you accomplish so much is so few lines. Sounds like a really fun story.
What a great setup. I love the premise and have a feeling these two are going to be one hot combo!!
I love your voice and can’t wait to read more. Great snippet!
I love how real and relatable your characters seem within just a sentence or two….no matter what the time period or genre.
Gem, I cannot wait to read this one! I’m already so hooked! Always love your voice and how you pull readers right into the center of the action.
I like the sound of this one a lot. sparks are bound to fly.
Good set-up. Bit of calm-before-the-storm. Looks to be a good read.
Your snippet and blurb are so much fun to read together. Fabulous. I’m not sure who’s in more trouble, lol. 🙂
Although the scene strikes me as a normal day, there is something special about it that kept me wanting to read. Perhaps it was the beautiful way the sentences flowed together or maybe the old time setting. Well done.
http://joycelansky.blogspot.com/2014/09/weekend-writing-warriors-september-14.html
I always love your prose and you don’t disappoint here. I love how it’s all just everyday stuff– right up until it’s suddenly not.
Those ice-cream socials are nothing but trouble! Love how much you’ve set up in this little bit.
What an awesome opening! You create so much intrigue and do a wonderful job setting the scene. Can’t wait for more! 🙂
Great opening! I love the details — and her assessment of him.
I wonder how long it takes him to figure out a proposal to be his mistress could be taken as an insult.
She doesn’t sound like she likes him very much. I hope he won’t enter just at closing time.
Can’t wait to see what all is brewing here! Great snippet.