An assassin and a vengeance seeker, each with their own agenda, each pretending to be what they’re not, both unable to resist the other despite the danger of an alliance. I confess, I grumbled about stepping away from the hero and heroine from my first four “By Moonlight” books to embrace new couples in the continuing “Shadows” portion of the series . . . but I must admit, Nica and Silas had me at page one. Both strong, independent characters, motivated by others rather than their own needs. Both in denial of how right they are for each other as their goals put them at cross purposes in my first excerpt of 2019 . . .
“Do you think I trust you any more than I do him?”
“You’re going to have to pick a side, MacCreedy.”
“I pick my own side.”
“Then you’ll lose,” Nica warned as she stepped in front of him, placing her palms on his chest, features grim, her tone flat, “because he’ll kill you . . . he will rip out your heart, and then he’ll eat it.”
“Then I hope he chokes on it.”
As he set her aside to continued his walk, she told herself, Let him go and rush headlong to his own doom, because any attempt on Savoie would be a perfect distraction, drawing attention away from her and her job, but as she studied his arrogant, determined posture, something in her snapped, making her call after him, “Silas, don’t be a fool.”
He stopped and turned to her, his expression fierce, demanding as she caught up to him again, “Why do you care what happens to me?”
She touched his face, letting her fingertips glide over his cheek and her thumb graze his lips, confessing, “Because I hate waste and your dying for a lost cause would be a terrible one, so don’t be a hero.”
“I don’t have a choice.”
They stood for a moment, gazes locked, then she stepped back with a bittersweet smile, letting him go.
It’s no secret, I adore tough, self-sacrificing, smart characters who are stupid in love with one another despite the odds. Silas MacCreedy – driven to protect what’s left of his family while seeking revenge against the cause of their trouble behind the guise of a detective’s shield while undercover as a card dealer in a mobster’s club. Nica Fraser – forced to bend her will to darkness to save her childhood friends, a cool assassin directed by unnatural forces in the North to a target that puts her at cross purposes between head and heart. Take a closer look . . .
And speaking of what the New Year rings in, here’s my first steal of a deal to sink your teeth into . . .
Looking forward to getting together with my critique partners next weekend to kick start 2019. I’ll be charting my SMART goals (Specific/Measurable/Achievable/Relevant/Time-Oriented). How about you?
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"Then I hope he chokes on it."
ReplyDeleteI think I know that man!
Uh, he is so unreasonable, so bullheaded. Great job writing him!
No, he's driven . . . and conflicted. Makes a guy ornery.
DeleteWell, he is very determined, and even her concern doesn't seem like it will stop him, even if it does peek his curiosity. Great snippet!
ReplyDeletePot calling kettle where they're concerned. His determination stems from questioning what he's supposed to do.
DeleteI remember how much I liked this story. His determination and hers put them at odds. How can they get their HEA?
ReplyDeleteWith lots of ups and downs! And great chemistry doesn't hurt!
Deletealways exciting.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Charmaine!
DeleteA wonderful snippet because there are so many tangled threads of emotion, connection and plot woven together. Makes it hard to see how there could ever be an HEA, which of course keeps me reading like mad to find out how it all works out! Really enjoyed the excerpt...
ReplyDeleteMaking the impossible possible could well be my super power! Let's hope so in their case!
ReplyDeleteAlways love your characters and the dynamics between them. This story promises to be full of fireworks.
ReplyDeleteYes, very explosive!
DeleteWell, he can't say she didn't warn him :)
ReplyDeleteIndeed! And she's not telling him anything he doesn't already know.
DeleteShe wants him to do what she says, yet she's willing to let him make his own mistakes. I like that.
ReplyDeleteThat's a kind neat thing about their relationship - supporting the other's right to do something stupid and be there to pick up the pieces.
DeleteUnstoppable force meets unmoveable object. Can there ever be more conflict? This sounds like an impossible HEA. Can't wait to see how you do it. :)
ReplyDeleteSometimes they choose the noble highroad and sometimes they grab for that gold ring and say let the world take care of itself. Which one will this be?
DeleteWow there's quite a dynamic between them.
ReplyDeleteI always love your dialogue, especially that first line! Keep it going!
ReplyDeleteSorry I'm late getting here - day didn't unfold as I expected.
ReplyDeleteGreat dialogue. Can see the scene.
Tweeted.
When you care despite yourself. Great snippet, very gripping.
ReplyDeleteI love that they care about each other, but can't do anything about it right now. It adds a real layer of intrigue.
ReplyDeleteThis article is very useful, thank you for sharing. And allow me to share articles too, it's about health and treatment. God willing
ReplyDeleteCara Menyembuhkan Penyakit ITP Secara Alami, Cara Menghilangkan Bercak Putih Di Wajah Menyerupai Panu, Cara Mengatasi Gemetaran (Tremor) Pada Tangan Dan Kaki,
He is determined, isn't he? Loved the banter between these two.
ReplyDelete