Page 108 of Rough and Rugged

Cassidy groans loudly, “Oh god, yes. You create some big babies, handsome.”

“Good thing I already knocked you up, baby,” I smirk as I walk towards our home with her.

Cassidy blushes brightly as she smacks my arm. “Hush, you. Go clean up your children. They’ve been playing in the dirt all afternoon.”

“Yes, ma’am.” I smile as I think about our life. I love every minute of it. It’s exceeded anything I could have ever dreamed of, and I know it can only get better.

*** Thank you for reading Dear Draven! ***

About The Author

EuryiaLarsengrewupthinking that what she was being told about the world was only part of the story. She loves myths both historical and modern and often sees the the possibility in ‘what if’. A good romance with strong ‘alpha’ heroes and even stronger heroines that can be a partner for them are her favorite kinds of books. If the heroines are just a tad crazy, even better.

Euryia is a stay at home mom of two beautiful daughters, three crazy cats, three crazier dogs and a husband to round out the bunch. She deals with her fair share of issues while dealing with Fibromyalgia and other complications and as a result, she’s finds an escape in books where there is always a happily ever after. She’s always been creative and has written for herself as an audience for longer than she can remember.

I’d love to hear your thoughts on this or myths or books in general or even just a hello.

Check me out at

http://www.EuryiaLarsen.com

or feel free to email me at

[email protected]

The Bear Necessities

CARLA LUNA

Tropes

Cinnamon roll hero, Artsy heroine, Soulmates, Adorable dog

Blurb

After years of struggling to make it as an artist, I’m stunned to learn my grandmother left me her cabin in the Sierra Mountains. Giving up the urban hustle for this rustic haven sounds like a dream come true. Especially after I meet a ruggedly handsome woodsman who just happens to be my nearest neighbor. Not only does he offer to help me fix up my property, but he’s also a fellow artist who totally gets me. As our connection ignites, I can’t imagine a better life than this. Until I’m faced with a heart-wrenching decision that could ruin it all.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, organizations, places, events, and incidents are either products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is entirely coincidental.

Copyright © 2024 by Carla Luna

All rights reserved. No part of this story may be reproduced or used in any manner without written permission of the copyright owner except for the use of quotations in a book review. For more information, contact: [email protected]

Chapter One

WhenmycousinBraydencalled me with the news, I thought it was a joke.

I was at home in my studio apartment, seated on my lumpy futon while balancing a bowl of instant ramen on my lap. With my free hand, I placed my phone beside me and turned on the speaker.

“Grandma left me her cabin?” I asked. “Are you sure?”

Out of all the grandkids, I’d been closest to her, but I didn’t trust Brayden. I’d spent too many years as the victim of his casual cruelty. He could be leading me on, getting me excited about inheriting Grandma’s property, only to laugh in my face.

“My dad was the executor of her estate,” Brayden said. “Not that there was much to divvy up. That crazy old hippie barely owned anything except that run-down cabin. I’m pissed she left it to you. Did you bribe her? Or was she so addled it was easy to coerce her into signing it over?”

Rage swelled up inside of me, making my voice shake. “I’m the only one who spent time with her. Remember when I asked you and Eden to drive up with me last October? You called Grandma’s place a shithole. Why do you care if I ended up with it?”

When he didn’t respond, I wondered if he’d hung up just to spite me. Then he let out a huff of disgust. “Could youbeany more clueless, Maggie? The property around the cabin is worth a small fortune. I’d demolish that heap and sell off the land. It’d be the perfect spot for a mountain retreat. Rich suckers would pay a bundle for a place where they could get away and unplug.”

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