Roadstop Romance by D.E. DAUM
After spending over a year in a homeless shelter, Doty Martinez is ready to try something different. For starters she plans to hitchhike across the country. Leaving her twin sister behind she takes a bus to a nearby truck stop to begin her adventure. After bumming a ride from long haul truck driver Jeffrey Randle, she finds she really finds him interesting.
Description
Find more from this author on:
Amazon
SmashwordsAbout the author:
D.E. DAUM lives a quiet life in Phoenix AZ. To date D.E. has written 12 novels & shorter works.
What inspired you to write your book?
I like HEA stories and wantedto write a HEA story about a young homeless person.
Here is a short sample from the book:
I didn't know where to start so I started at a truck stop by I-10 and I-15. I was nervous as a steer in a slaughter house, but I forced myself to wander through the cafeteria telling the better looking drivers, "I'm looking for a ride east. Are you heading my way?"
After a half dozen answers from no ma'am to get lost, a very large, decent looking guy in a LA Dodger ball cap with a scruffy three day old beard said, "I can take you as far as Albuquerque, New Mexico if you wanna wait while I take the shower I've been promising myself."
I'd hoped to go further, but Alburquerque was east, so I shrugged. "Better than staying here. Thanks. Look for me when you're finished. If I'm still here when you're done, I'll take you up on it."
He smiled. He had a nice smile even though his front teeth were gapped. It didn't look bad. It fact it made him look endearing. "Okay. It'll take about a half hour. I'll look for you when I'm done." He winked then walked away. Nice tush.
When he was out of sight, I continued my quest for a ride. "I'm looking for a ride back east," I said loud enough to be heard in a ten foot radius. A burly bearded man in his thirties, looked me up and down wistfully from his seat in a booth. He appeared to be interested, but said, "Sorry sweetheart. I'd love to give you a ride, but I'm on my way to Portland." He glanced at to the two guys sitting across from him. How 'bout you guys. This pretty thing wants to go east. Either of you guys heading east? Gene, you're heading east aren't you?"
A non-descript man with a receding hairline and glasses shook his head. "I am, but not until tomorrow. I have a load of tires to offload right now. Is tomorrow too late?"
I nodded. "I'm afraid so. I have another ride lined up, but it's only to Albuquerque. I was hoping to go further."
"Go check out that skinny guy. The one sitting at the end of the counter. He just told me he has a load for St. Louis."
I grinned. "Thanks, I'll do that."
I tapped the skinny guy on the shoulder and he half turned toward me. After looking me up and down, he said, "You want something?"
"The man over there said you were heading to St. Louis."
"And if I am?"
"I'd like to get a ride with you."
He snickered and looked me over again through narrowed eyes. "Do you put out?"
Here it was, my first proposition. I was so nervous I could barely speak. Finally, I managed to blurt out, "Fifty bucks."
He laughed.
I didn't like him.
"What a coincidence. That's what I would charge you for a ride to St. Louis."
I was about to tell him to fuck off when my other trucker tapped my shoulder and said, "Are you ready?"
I turned and looked up at my beefy ride to Albuquerque. Though he'd shaved, I actually liked the previous scruffy look better. I reached my hand out. "I'm Doty Martinez."
My hand looked inconsequential in his, but his handshake was gentle. "Oh, Latino?"
My nostrils flared. Glaring at him I jerked my hand back. "American! Born and raised in East Los Angeles, California, USA!"
He chuckled. "I didn't mean anything by that."
"You're sure?"
"As sure as I am that California used to be part of Mexico."
I laughed. "Sorry, there're a lot of nincompoops around."
He laughed. "Nincompoops? Where did you hear that word?"
"Here and there, but mostly my daddy used to say that."
He bowed his head. "Well, I'm pleased to meet you, Doty Martinez, born and raised in East Los Angeles, California, USA. My name is Jeff Randle. Let's skedaddle."
I nodded and picked up my backpack. "Lead the way, big guy."
Related products
-
Cognata by Jedaiah Ramnarine
Discover Vampires in a New, Extraordinary Premiere.
Vampires are not what you think. They aren’t your friends. They’re not supposed to be your lovers. Welcome to the dark world of true nightwalkers, where feeding on blood, will be the least of your worries.
Sam, a former writer finally meets his online girlfriend Alexia in person, but she unveils a dark secret – she’s a living, breathing vampire. Torn between his love for her and the inability to believe her outlandish claims, he finds himself driven by his heart to uncover the forbidden truths behind Alexia, and the shadow world she’s dabbled in that has secretly controlled mankind since the dawn of our modern civilization.
So, is she insane or is this all for real? Toss her perfect features aside and maybe, it’s a bit of both. Sam is about to find himself right at the beginning of a no-brakes rollercoaster that might just end up costing him his life, all because of his, aching, blood-soaked heart.
Silly humans…
Masked Obsession- Part I by Kendall Michelle
Though the devastating breakup with Donte Carrera still haunts her after five years, Erika Anderson, an African-American senior advertising account executive, opens herself up to the possibility of a relationship with Fernando Vega, her sexy best male friend.
Fernando and Donte share more than being notorious Latino playboys, wealthy business owners and sons of cartel bosses. Both men are obsessed with Erika and will stop at nothing to have her. Neither of them could have predicted sharing that obsession with Donte’s best friend, Kevin Jackson.
Ever patient and observant, Kevin has wanted Erika from the moment he saw her at one of Fernando’s college house parties and has no qualms about doing whatever it takes to get her.
The past threatens the future as lies are revealed, secrets are uncovered and passions are ignited.
Masked Obsession- Part II and Part III are also available on Amazon.
Mischief Under the Mistletoe by Kristin Miller, Melanie James, Claudy Conn, Mindy Klasky, Stephanie Rowe, Holly S Robers, Robin Covington, Jennifer Theriot, Kimberly Kincaid and others
Kristin Miller – The Bad Boy Meets his Match
When lingerie-store owner Cora Brennan plans a getaway at a quaint mountain retreat, she never expects to reunite with the playboy she spent a memorable night with in college. Can they finally admit their true feelings for each other before love is lost to them again?
Claudy Conn – Collide & Burn
Charlie knows when she first sees Wade Devon that he is
trouble. Wade likes to win. It is what he does and he wants her…no strings attached. She has to ask herself, should she, or shouldn’t she.
Melanie James – Snowflakes, Exes, and Ohs
With two men vying for her affection, Abbie’s heart is torn between the two. One has always been there for her, no matter what. The other left when she needed him the most.
Mindy Klasky – Fly Me to the Moon
Lexi thinks she’s recovered from the fire that burned her years ago. But when she falls for PTSD-ridden army veteran Finn, she learns how deep some scars can be.
Holly S. Roberts – Ruck
Van, one of the best players in rugby and the hottest player between the sheets is looking for a holiday miracle. His brother won the girl and Van’s heart is broken. Could the gift of a lifetime be his for the taking or will this bad boy ruck it up again?
Stephanie Rowe – Wrapped Up In You
Can the Christmas magic of a coastal Maine island heal two broken souls when a winter storm strands them together?
Diane Rinella – It’s A Marshmallow World
One Christmas, Darla was given a mystical gift, along with an ominous message. Years later, meeting Chris puts her head in a spin. Could it be that gift from long ago holds the key to their happiness?
Kate Angell – Snow One Like You
A Vermont Christmas Eve blizzard forces Allie to close Hartley’s General Store. Her best friend Rhys arrives by snowmobile, not wanting her to endure the snowstorm alone. A playful kiss under the mistletoe warms more than their hearts.
Kimberly Kincaid – Play Me
Sophie Drayton has seen enough of the wild life to know that Emilio Barrett is bad news. But the sexy stripper has secrets of his own. Will Sophie’s past come back to haunt her, or will Emilio prove that a bad boy can be also be a good man?
J.D.Tyler – One Last Miracle
After a case gone horribly wrong, FBI Agent Mark McClendon retreats to his late grandfather’s isolated cabin, determined to escape his pain. He’s completely unprepared to find himself falling for his pretty new neighbor–but when the past comes gunning for him, Mark’s newfound love may mean the difference between a second tragedy and a holiday miracle.
Robin Covington – When You Open Your Eyes
War tore Gabe and Ellie apart and three years later, he’s almost given up any hope that she’ll come back to him. When she returns just before the holidays, he wants nothing more for the damaged, stubborn woman he loves to stay forever but she’s ready to run as soon as the gifts are opened. Chased by her nightmares, Gabe’s only hope of keeping Ellie is to convince her that he’ll be there when she opens her eyes.
Suzanne Ferrell- Close To The Mistletoe
When teacher Holly Murphy walks into Westen’s only bar to help her friend celebrate a divorce, she doesn’t expect hot carpenter Nick Fisher to save her from an embarrassing situation. His heated kisses awakens something deep inside her, but when someone sets his sights on Holly, will Nick be the one to protect her close to the mistletoe?
Kathy Ivan – Yours For The Holidays
At her hospital’s annual Bachelor Auction, event organizer, Dr. Alanna Reeves, is blindsided when the tables are turned and Blake Donovan offers a huge donation–for her! Can a trip to Florida for the holidays help them discover their true feelings or drive them apart forever?
Selena Laurence – Prince of the Press
Marcus Ambrose, the newest face in political media, is one hot ticket. But when he meets his brother’s down-to-earth secretary Renee, his own heart takes a knock. Can Marcus’s famous ‘full-court press’ convince the woman of his dreams to take a shot at love?
Jennie Marts – Worth the Shot
Addison Cavanaugh had one rule: Do not date hockey players. So kissing the newest trade to her dad’s team
should have been off-limits–even if he is hot enough to melt the ice. Is the new player worth the shot or is she is risking her heart in a game she can’t possibly win?
Teri Riggs – Finding True’s Love
Six months after True’s last boss viciously attacked her, she’s ready to take her therapist’s advice and go back into the work force. She wants her life to be normal again and working for another man will be a giant step towards that goal.
Nick has been betrayed by a pretty face for the last time and has sworn off relationships. Or so he thought until the day his new assistant, True Kelly, walked into his office.
Jennifer Theriot – Unwrapping Noel
Noel Calabrese hates Christmas as much as she hates her life. While in the Napa Valley on a business trip, she meets Leon Hallas. Could this sexy, silver fox be her ticket to happiness?
MJ Fredrick – Bluestone Christmas
Come back to Bluestone, Minnesota for Christmas, where single mom Willow Branson has moved from Texas to make a home with her daughter. But moving from a Texas winter to a Minnesota one is more challenging than she expected, and handsome handyman Chase Granzer is more than happy to help her adapt…and keep her warm.
Deb Julienne – All I Want For Christmas
Rafe Donnelly hates everything to do with the holidays. Ali Sanders is a single mother, juggling two jobs and missing most of her son’s childhood. Who knew a little boy’s Santa wish could change so many lives?
Cold Warriors by Clare Dargin
Left in cryogenic stasis for nearly a century, Caitlin Driskoll is awakened and drafted into a war she knows nothing about. Expected to defend a world where her kind is despised and expendable, she discovers love and respect from the one man who can’t be associated with her.
Lieutenant Colonel Medoro Keegan has spent a lifetime in the Marines. With no family to speak of, the Corps and his ship, the USS Blanchard, are all the loved ones he needs…until Caitlin sparks a fire within, that threatens to consume him if he doesn’t walk away.
Will he choose a life of certainty in the only world he knows or give it all to Caitlin and run the risk of losing someone, yet again?
Payback by Shyla Colt
She paid the price for her family’s debt working for the Dueling Devils M.C. Love was never meant to be part of the deal. But somehow, the dark and dangerous club president, Demon stole her heart. Now she’s thrust into hell fire. The Sidewinders’ personal attack on Demon’s family has the M.C. out for blood. As the rough side of Demon’s lifestyle rears its ugly head, she’s tested to her breaking point.
Consumed with keeping his family safe, Demon is determined to put the Sidewinders in the ground. Focused on revenge, he watches the miles between him and Ardy grow. The. M.C. comes first, but he won’t let Ardy walk away now that he’s claimed her. Backed into a corner he does the only thing he knows how to, fight his way out.
VEXED by Wren MIchaels
Vodou stole her life. A gay ghost stole her boots. And the man who stole her heart stole her memories. Kena plans to get it all back.
Ex-cop Kena’s life is filled with regret, beer, and Cheetos. That is, until her ghostly roomie sends her dumpster diving, leading her to a sexy stranger named Luc and a fate she’d rather not remember. As Kena’s memories resurface, so do her feelings for Luc, the man she’s secretly been in love with for the last thousand years. And he needs her for more than a stroll down memory lane.
Vodou spirits, known as Loa, have been trapped in human form, and are trying to make their way back to the spirit world. But Luc’s brother is possessed by a vengeance demon conjured at the hands of NOLA’s crime syndicate kingpin. Saving him means damning herself to a spirit prison in a loveless, arranged union with the very man she’s supposed to rescue. But not helping Luc’s brother sentences him to death, leaving New Orleans in the hands of black magick, and losing Luc forever.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.