This story is set in the beautiful Pacific Northwest.
Conneca Sheridan is the owner of the Sheridan Seaside Inn in Oak Cliffs, Oregon. Beautiful, thirty, strong-willed, and single, Conneca attends a celebrity auction to promote literacy. She inadvertently wins the bid to have dinner with the handsome African American romantic suspense writer, Maurice Templeton. He is part of the dynamic writing duo known as Alexis Maurice. Alexis is Maurice's ex-wife.
Sparks fly instantly between Conneca and Maurice. But having been hurt by men in the past, Conneca remains wary of love and romance. When Maurice shows up at the inn that night for a room and a place to finish the latest Alexis Maurice novel, sparks turn to flames. Conneca drops her guard and finds herself swept up in passion, desire, and uncertainty. She ignores her misgivings even as she confronts her own feelings about the man.
Maurice Templeton had participated in the celebrity auction at Alexis's insistence as a way to promote their books. He had not counted on meeting Conneca, who immediately captivated him like no woman had before. Their all-consuming passion holds the promise of much more. Now both Conneca and Maurice must reconcile the past to have a chance for a future with each other.
"Devon Vaughn Archer brings wonderful characters to life in Dark and Dashing. It's a great love story about the ability to trust someone and go after what you want in life." -- Romance Reader At Heart.
"Spellbinding stories, well-developed characters and warm, spirit-lifting romances are Jordan's and Archer's gift to readers. Can men write romance? In the case of these two, the answer is an authoritative YES! Definitely a keeper, and one to reader over and over." 4.5 Stars TOP PICK -- Romantic Times
"These two stories depict the strength and courage it takes to open up your heart to another person. I enjoyed reading a man's perspective on what it takes to start and keep the fires burning between men and women." -- Romance Readers Connection
"SLOW MOTION is a well-written book with two tantalizing tales of romance. Each page flowed from chapter to chapter without missing a beat. Highly recommended...will be enjoyed by readers for years to come." RAWSISTAZ Reviewers
"Well-written and star terrific lead couples and a fully developed support cast. Fans of contemporary romance starring real people will want to read these two novels, as SLOW MOTION is a sure bet to entertain the audience." -- Harriet Klausner
LOVE ONCE AGAIN
Janine Henderson is a single mother, 36, and a senior editor for a large minority-owned publishing house in New York. She is sent to California to persuade photographer-author, Richard Lowrey, to honor the terms of his multi book contract after a tragedy strikes his family.
Still hurting from a bitter divorce and general distrust of men, Janine finds herself attracted to Richard. She tries to help him overcome his own pain and return to his work, even as a relationship develops between them.
Richard Lowrey, 38, was once a prize-winning photographer. His talent and will to live left him after his wife and young daughter were killed in a car accident in which he miraculously survived. Now, three years later, a new woman has come into his life--one who is like his beloved late wife, yet so different.
He must come to terms with his tragedy while falling in love with Janine. She also returns his love; though Janine fears she can never measure up to the woman he gave his heart and soul to. If that is not enough, she must also deal with having deceived Richard for his own good, though it could cost them any chance for a future together.
This contemporary novel is, in fact, two heartwarming love stories in one. Richard recounts his love for his wife, Kassandra, and daughter, Sheena, while slowly allowing them to be put to rest, as Janine becomes the center of his attention, along with her daughter, Lisa.
"A good story of contrasts that shows how powerful the mind can be and how it can interfere and sabotage the lives of those who fall victim to negative thinking and excessive guilt." -- Romantic Times
"This great second chance at love psychological contemporary drama stars two likable mentally "self-imprisoned" individuals. Readers will appreciate this fine tale cleverly enhanced by strong family members as everyone will wonder whether the present can overcome the traumas of the past." -- Harriet Klausner
"Devon Archer does a fine job in telling the story of people who will touch your heart and seem so real, you will feel you are right there with them." -- Brenda Mott, Author of MAN FROM MONTANA
A season of miracles...and second chances...
Audrey Lamour is a successful artist and devoted mother, forever indebted to the heroic fireman who pulled her from a blaze twenty-five years ago on Christmas Day. She honored him by painting his portrait--never dreaming her picture would become a lifeline to love...
Conrad Pearson was driven to meet the woman whose emotional painting of his father seared his soul, even if it meant returning home to the Pacific Northwest, and painful memories. But Audrey's beauty, grace, and unforgettable kiss ignited the kind of sensual fire that made a man glad to be alive. Now he was ready to face all the ghosts of Christmas past to keep this angel in his arms forever.
“Romantic and heartwarming story of two individuals who cross paths more than 20 years after a life-changing tragedy. It has wonderful, well-written characters and a story that flows.” -- Romantic Times
“A beautiful, poignant story. The title aptly fits twofold, for the fire in the past and the heat that stirs within Conrad and Audrey.” -- Romance Junkies
“An entertaining tale....A story that is identifiable to many.” -- Romance Reader at Heart
“A terrific contemporary romance. Fans of deep character driven tales will want to read Devon Vaughn Archer’s strong story of love coming out of the ashes of tragedy.” -- Genre Go Round Reviews
Courtney Hudson didn't date, didn't go bar hopping and definitely didn't do one-night stands. But when she decided to bust loose for one night, who would have guessed the beautiful young widow would end up in the bed of a sexy, man from Alaska?
Detective Lloyd Vance had moved to the lower forty-eight to escape a troubled past. And after a single, sizzling night of passion with Courtney, he knew he had made the right move. But then tragedy struck. And Lloyd and Courtney got caught up in a twist of fate that threatened to destroy their burgeoning love affair...
DESTINED TO MEET
COMING JUNE 2008!
Harlequin/Kimani Romance
ISBN 0373860714
Cover Art used by arrangement with Harlequin Enterprises Limited. All rights reserved.