Title: Quintessentially: An ABCs of Love Novel
Author: Aleatha Romig
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Cover Designer: Indie Sage
Editor: Lisa Aurello
Publication Date: July 28th, 2022
Hosted by: Lady Amber's PR
Blurb:
A secret-baby, second-chance contemporary stand-alone romance
Quintessential~ “Representing the most perfect example of quality or class”
Imagine my greater surprise when I learn about the secret that’s been roaming Riverbend for the last five years. Here are a couple of hints:
She’s five years old.
She has her mother’s silky auburn hair and my golden eyes.
The answer should be simple—I take responsibility for the girl and go back to Chicago where my life awaits.
It turns out, Grandma had other plans because life’s never that simple.
Have you been Aleatha’d?
Enjoy this sweet, funny, and sexy secret-baby, second-chance contemporary stand-alone romance that brings back the feelings of what it’s like to be young and in love. A stand-alone in Aleatha Romig’s ‘Lighter Ones,’ QUINTESSENTIALLY – the ONE.
Aleatha Romig is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author who lives in Indiana, USA. She grew up in Mishawaka, graduated from Indiana University, and is currently living south of Indianapolis as well as part of the year in Bradenton, Florida, USA. Before she became a full-time author, she worked days as a dental hygienist and spent her nights writing. Now, when she's not imagining mind-blowing twists and turns, she likes to spend her time with her friends and family, including her beloved grandchildren.
Aleatha released her first novel, CONSEQUENCES, in August of 2011. CONSEQUENCES became a bestselling series with five novels and two companions released from 2011 through 2015. The compelling and epic story of Anthony and Claire Rawlings has graced more than a million e-readers. Her next series, INFIDELITY (not about cheating) hit New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today best-seller lists. Aleatha has since released over forty-five novels in multiple genres: dark romance, romantic suspense, thriller, and romantic comedy. She went back to her dark roots with the Sparrow Web trilogies: WEB OF SIN, TANGLED WEB, WEB OF DESIRE, and DANGEROUS WEB and the Devil’s Series Duet: DEVIL’S DEAL and ANGEL’S PROMISE. Her recent releases include the romantic suspense standalone, KINGDOM COME and her new Sin Series, are taking the reading world by storm.
The titles keep coming. Be sure to check out her website to stay up to date.
Aleatha is a "Published Author's Network" member of the Romance Writers of America, NINC, and PEN America. She is represented by Kevan Lyon of Marsal Lyon Literary Agency and Wildfire Marketing.
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Before I can get out of the SUV, there’s a knock on my side window.
Turning, I see my old friend.
“Look, Mommy, it’s Dax.”
My cheeks rise as my smile broadens. “It is.”
I unlock the doors, and Dax opens my door. “Hi.”
It’s not fair what he does to me. My heart is racing, and my skin feels clammy. Standing here, Daxton Richards is sex on a stick. His cheeks are red from the sun, and his blond hair is damp and combed back. His smile glistens and letting my gaze sweep lower, I notice how the Dri-FIT shirt stretches over his shoulders and wide chest. He’s wearing khaki shorts and cloth loafers.
“Hi,” I say back.
“I was afraid you would change your mind.”
“I did about a hundred times.”
His smile grows as his golden orbs stay focused on me. “Then I’m glad you didn’t do it one more time.”
He offers me his hand, and I get out of the SUV. He steps back as I open Molly’s door.
As I unbuckle her, I say, “Molly, this is Dax, Mommy’s old friend.”
“Hi, Dax,” she says excitedly. “You don’t look old. Not like Grandmom did.”
Dax and I both laugh.
Once she’s out of the car, Dax bends his long legs and gets down on his haunches. “Hello, Molly. I’m very glad to formally meet you.”
I bite my lip to keep my tears at bay as I watch the two of them looking at each other with the same color eyes. My heart leaps; my chest feels tight. I’d never dared to dream that this would happen and now here it is, more than I ever imagined.
Molly offers Dax her hand.
He glances up at me.
All I can do is nod.
Taking her hand, he shakes it.
“Hi, Dax,” she says.
“How about some ice cream?” I say as I take Molly’s hand.
The whole evening feels surreal as if I’m in a dream.
The Tastee Freeze is located next to a small stream. The ground in between is covered in white pebbles with several picnic tables and benches. There are lights strung over our heads for after dark.
I reach for my purse after I order for myself and Molly, but Dax won’t have it. He adds a blueberry shake to the order and insists on paying.
The three of us sit on a bench facing the stream as Dax asks Molly questions and she tells him everything and more. At some point, he lifts his arm over the back of the bench, and it stretches from him over Molly to me.
My thoughts are filled with Hallmark stories despite telling myself to not have hope. It’s exactly what I do have.
Next door is a small playground near our library.
After our ice cream is done, Dax and I walk Molly to the playground and find another bench where we can watch her. She runs off with a smile as she sees Amber, a friend from school.
“You’ve done an amazing job,” Dax says. “She’s perfect.”
I shake my head. “I think she is, but she isn’t perfect.” I smile at him. “She’s amazing. Each day I feel like she’s growing and comprehending so much more.”
He scoots closer and lifts my hand. “I’m sorry you had to take care of her alone.”
I contemplate retrieving my hand, but I don’t. “I haven’t done it alone. My parents are wonderful. Ruth was fantastic. Chloe and Mick are great.” I grin. “And so is Justin.”
Dax releases my hand and rubs his jaw. “Yeah, so your brother punched me this morning.”
My eyes grow wide, and my fingertips go to my lips. “He didn’t.”
Dax nods with a grin. “I deserve it. If the roles were reversed, I’m not sure Mick and Ricky could have kept it to one punch.”
I reach for his chin and turn his face toward me. “Are you hurt? I’m sorry.”
His smile grows. “I’m fine. I’m glad you care.”
My gaze goes out to the playground where Molly and her friend are climbing a slide. “I’ve always cared.”
This time, it’s Dax who reaches for my chin, bringing my gaze back to his. “You’re more beautiful than I remember.”
“Yeah, well, you’re not as handsome.” I laugh. “You’re more, too.”
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