SWEET KISS ~ Lots of Love for February

by Judy Ann Davis
Can one sweet kiss revive an old romance?

Last year, a group of writers for The Wild Rose Press created novellas which are collectively called the "Candy Hearts Series." Each writer had to use the saying on one of the candy hearts that are available in stores around Valentine's Day and use it to create her story. We wrote in a multitude of genres-- mystery, sweet romance, fantasy, paranormal, historical, and the list goes on. 

My novella, "Sweet Kiss," is about a marina owner  and bistro owner who get a second chance at love amid the vibrant smell of strawberries as they make  jam for a Valentine's Day Celebration in their hometown. "Sweet Kiss" is a mystery, romance, and comedy. And it's very appropriate for February which is Strawberry Month in Florida--the time of the year when plump red berries are stacked high on the shelves of every supermarket  throughout the state.

Blurb:
Hard-working Kate Clark opens a thriving coffee shop that quickly becomes the local hang-out for students and the community. Her one wish is to eventually buy out her sister’s share of the old Florida home they inherited. However, Violet is in desperate need of cash and has other plans.

Tappe Vanderberg, Kate’s childhood friend and high school sweetheart, has sold his lucrative internet security business to return to Little Heron Shores and fulfill his dreams of owning a marina. Now the handsome Dutch-born businessman is making waves with single women all over town—including loony, post mistress Eva May Poole who’s in search of husband number three.

But it’s Kate Clark who’s wreaking havoc with Tappe’s heart, not Eva May. Can he find a way to shake the dingbat post mistress and convince Kate to give him a second chance and the sweet kiss he remembers from an earlier time?

Excerpt:   
Tappe picked up the grimy jar of candy hearts. "No way! I can't believe Fay saved this." He twisted off the lid and shook one into his hand.
     "Neither can I. Don't you dare put that into your mouth. Those candies are over a decade old!"
     "So? Sugar doesn't spoil."
     "Okay, go ahead. Eat it. Poison yourself. Why should I care?" Kate said dryly. "Just don't call me in the middle of the night."
     She turned back to the stove, removed the pot, and started filling the jelly jars.
     "You don't mean that." He dropped the candy back into the jar and started nuzzling her on the side of her neck.
     "Do you realize I'm working with hot liquids?" She tried to be stern as she squirmed away still holding the scalding pot.
     But he was on a roll.
     "Not as hot as you are. Want to make out?"
     Kate looked at him askance. "Now? Are you sane?"
    "Yes, I'm fairly lucid. But if your answer is a no to making out, then can I lick the pot instead?"
     "If you promise to quit licking my neck."

 Link: http://a.co/hWWR3a4