Starting Over and New Beginnings (Hart of Seattle Series) by L.E. Maguire
Genre – Contemporary Romance
Starting Over Synopsis
Ella Martin was devastated by the events surrounding her divorce. Determined to start over, she relocates from New Jersey to Washington to be a photographer with her longtime friend, Renatta. Having been emotionally scarred by her ex-husband’s betrayal, Ella didn’t believe she would ever be able to trust another man again. Then she met Xavier Hart, a successful CEO of an investment firm. She soon discovers that she cannot resist the dangerously handsome Xavier. But her struggles with her intense jealousy and trust issues start to clash with his controlling tendencies. As their relationship develops, she discovers the reason for his controlling nature over her and his desperate need to keep her safe. When her ex-husband suddenly relocates to Washington, her past and present collide in a dangerous way.
Amazon | B&N | Createspace
Excerpt
As we headed back out to Fifth Avenue, my phone vibrated in my pocketbook. I dug it out only to find that it was Stephen calling yet again. Rolling my eyes at Renatta, I told her I needed to take the call.
“What, Stephen?” I hissed, walking several steps away from Renatta.
“Ella, thank you for taking my call,” he said politely.
“I have nothing to say to you. My feelings about what you have done have not changed and will not. Ever,” I said angrily.
“Ella, please if you could just hear me out,” he pleaded.
“No, Stephen. Stop calling me. You need to move on. Goodbye.”
“Ella, wait!” Stephen shouted, but I hung up not interested in hearing what else he had to say.
Not caring that I was standing in the middle of Fifth Avenue on a busy weekday, I closed my eyes and took several deep breaths. When I opened my eyes, I was staring into the beautiful blue eyes of Xavier Hart. I jumped back letting out a yelp. A slow smile spread across his face.
“We meet again, Ms. Martin,” he purred.
I stopped breathing. I am once again a deer in headlights.
“Nice to see you again, Mr. Hart,” Renatta said.
I started at the sound of Renatta’s voice. How the hell did she get over to me so quickly?
“Ms. Stevenson.” Xavier nodded his head in her direction, but his eyes never left mine.
“What are you doing here?” I asked. My tone came out much harsher than I intended.
“I just finished having lunch at Rock Bottom with my brother, Gabriel,” he said, sounding slightly affronted. “I came out of the restaurant, and was surprised to see you standing here. I thought I would be friendly and say hello,” he said, smiling as his tone softened.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to….” my voice trailing off. “I, um, should thank you, of course, for the beautiful roses,” I said nervously. Renatta placed her hand on my arm to stop me from shuffling from foot to foot. Why did he make me feel so nervous? Was it the suit? He did look simply delicious in a gray suit, black dress shirt, and gray tie.
“It was my pleasure, Ms. Martin,” he said smiling. “I’ll leave you ladies to enjoy the rest of your afternoon. But first, may I have a moment, Ms. Martin?”
I gave a quick, panicked glance at Renatta. Her eyes widened as she shook her head urging me to go with him. Turning back to Xavier, I smiled. “Um, sure. Please, call me Ella,” I said. What the hell did he want that he couldn’t say in front of Renatta?
He took my elbow and led me a few feet away from her. Once again, a warm sensation spread through me when his hand wrapped around my arm causing me to gasp. That strange electric energy I felt on the plane pulsed between us. I saw a small smile play on his lips, which made me frown. Did he feel this strange electricity between us too?
“Ella, I’m normally not this straightforward, but there is something about you. I can’t stop thinking about you since I sat next to you on that plane,” he said. “I think it’s fate or destiny, perhaps that keeps bringing us together.” He paused for a moment. Letting out a humorless laugh, he smirked. “I know that sounds like a line, but there is something between us, and I know you feel it too. Please, have dinner with me so we can get to know one another.” His gaze was giving nothing away. “I have a function that I need to attend tomorrow evening, but I would love to see you Sunday,” he said, sounding hopeful as he smiled.
Yes, he was feeling it too. I couldn’t lie to myself any longer. The truth was I couldn’t stop thinking about him either. Hell, I was even dreaming about him.
New Beginnings Synopsis
Ella Martin, having overcome a devastating divorce, found herself caught-up in a whirlwind romance with Xavier Hart, a charismatic and successful CEO of an investment firm. As their romance quickly blossoms towards a more serious commitment, Ella continues to struggle with her intense jealousy and deep fear of getting hurt again. Ella’s ex-husband, Stephen, is still lurking in the background. Xavier’s struggle with his need to keep Ella safe only intensifies. When Stephen gets involved with someone else, Xavier is not convinced that he no longer poses a danger to Ella. When strange events surrounding Ella start to take place, Xavier believes his suspicions of Stephen are warranted, and he will do whatever it takes to keep her safe. The love story of Ella and Xavier that began in Starting Over concludes in New Beginnings.
Amazon | B&N | Createspace
Excerpt
As we were riding down the elevator, Xavier’s thumb kept running over my knuckles in a soft caress. I could feel his eyes on me. He knew something wasn’t quite right, but he wasn’t pressing me about it since we were with Tom and Renatta. It was only a matter of time though before he was able to corner me. I had no idea what I was going to say either. Knowing how much Stephen had hurt me with his betrayal, and given how quickly Xavier and I started our relationship, would he understand my reasoning for wanting to wait?
Stewart was at the curb with the rear passenger door of the limo open and ready to welcome us. He congratulated Tom and Renatta before they climbed in.
Suddenly, Xavier’s hand tightened on mine almost to the point of pain. Alarmed, I looked up at him only to find he was staring at something across the street. His face was ashen and his firm grip was cutting off the blood circulation to my fingers. When I flexed my hand in an attempt to free it, he hustled me into the limo.
I looked out the window across the street to see if I could find what caused him to react the way he did, but I didn’t see anything out of the ordinary. All I saw were regular people setting out on a Friday night following a busy workweek.
As we were driving to the restaurant, I felt my phone vibrate in my clutch. I quickly dug it out thinking it might be my mother or father calling since the only other important people in my life were currently in the limo with me. Surprised to see that it was restricted, I cautiously answered the call. After saying hello several times with no response, the line disconnected.
“Who was it?” Xavier asked, frowning.
“I don’t know. It came up restricted, but there was nothing but dead air.” I shrugged, placing my phone back in my clutch.
We pulled up to the valet at the Metropolitan Grill. Stewart opened the door for Tom and Renatta as they exited the limo first. Xavier stepped out, and ever the gentleman, held his hand out for me. Pulling me close as we walked into the restaurant, he scanned the street around us. He was tense and alert.
“What is it?” I asked. His actions were starting to trigger my panic.
“Nothing, sweetness. Everything is fine,” he said smoothly. I could see the tension in his face though. He wasn’t fooling me for a second.
Playlist
Jersey Girl – Bruce Springsteen
I Want Out – Pat Benatar
Tell It To Her – Pat Benatar
It’s Not You – Halestorm
Aftermath – Adam Lambert
Glitter In The Air – Pink
Bring Me To Life – Evanescence
Lovesong – Adele
Beautiful With You – Halestorm
Tonight – Def Leppard
Feeling Good – Muse
Adagio For Strings – London Philharmonic Orchestra
Hysteria – Muse
Biggest Part of Me – Ambrosia
About the Author
Lori Elen Maguire is a born and bred Jersey Girl who is currently living just outside Charlotte, North Carolina. She is married with two daughters and two grandsons. She is an avid reader with a passion for romance novels. When she’s not reading, you can usually find her writing. She also has a special love of photography, football (Go Giants!), and all things vampire.
Amazon | Goodreads | Facebook | Email: [email protected]
Giveaway
2 Signed Paperbacks of Hart of Seattle Series
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Recommended Romance is not responsible for winner selection or prize fulfillment.
Thanks for the amazing giveaway!