The Ultimate Catch
Jolanda is willing to do whatever it takes, even face off against the Bering Sea, to raise the money for a balloon payment on her father’s house. She challenges Keller and wins a bet to get on the recently inherited crab fishing boat, forcing the young captain to buck tradition and superstition. Will his season be doomed or will he end up with the ultimate catch?
The Ultimate Catch by Constance Phillips
Excerpt 1
Jolanda cupped the short, wide glass in her hand. The smell of cheap whiskey sent her stomach into another medal-worthy, gymnastic tumble. She leveled her gaze, focusing on the Nordic-looking captain of the Sydney standing on the opposite side of the mahogany bar, ever mindful of her movements. If she shifted too fast she’d hurl the previous five shots, costing her the bet. “Let me on your crew, Keller.”
“You haven’t won, yet.” His clenched teeth signaled confidence, but she could see cracks in his armor. He swayed to the right and his shot glass rattled as he misjudged the distance between his hand and the bar top.
If Keller broke down, she would snatch the opening.
A balloon payment was coming due on her father’s house. Had he been able to fish for crab as he had every winter for more than twenty years, the debt would be paid on time, but a quarter century of hard living had left his health as broken down as the mortgaged home.
Out of control diabetes and blood pressure had forced him into retirement.
Some might say he’d given his best years to that boat, but Jo liked to think he’d spent that time with her. Despite a nasty divorce, Lark had never let anger or frustration taint his relationship with his daughter. He fished in the winter while she was at her mother’s house in Fairbanks, so he could be a father during the summer when she lived with him.
Lifting the shot glass to her lips and gripping the edge of the bar with her free hand, she tipped her head back hoping the amber liquid would bypass her taste buds and glide down her throat.
Mission failed.
A cough pressed against her esophagus, but Jo pushed back with her iron will, refusing to open the door to the puking that would give Keller the victory.
The only way to win the spot on the boat was to out-drink its captain.
Whose idea was this? That’s right: mine.
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About the Author
Constance Phillips lives in Ohio with her husband, daughter, and four canine kids. Her son -- now on his own -- is planning a wedding, confirming that romance still lives and breathes. When not writing stories of finding and rediscovering love, Constance and her husband spend the hours planning a cross-country motorcycle trip for the not-so-distant future…if they can find a sidecar big enough for the pups.
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Thank you so much for hosting today and helping to spread the word about my book!
ReplyDeleteSorry, I was buried in things and neglected to answer you earlier! I appreciate your coming by to visit and letting me share the word about your story, it sounds very different and interesting! Good luck on the tour.
DeleteThis sort of reminds me of Deadliest Catch on TV, one of the guys young daughter wants to be a fisher(WO)man.---Rae
ReplyDeleteI could not imagine trying to survive something like that...since I get seasick, lol. Thank you for visiting, Rae!
DeleteI've always been a big fan of The Deadliest Catch and enjoyed watching Mandy on the Northwestern this year. Though inspired by the TV show, I first drafted this book a few years ago and the situation that puts Jo on the boat is very different from Mandy's.
DeleteThat was a great excerpt. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteGlad you liked it. Thanks for coming by, Mary!
DeleteThank you Mary!
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