Sonnet Coupled by Roxanne D. Howard (Spotlight, excerpt, review, and GIVEAWAY) GFT (ADULT title)

 

Sonnet Coupled

by Roxanne D. Howard

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GENRE:   New Adult/Multicultural/Interracial/Erotic/Contemporary Romance

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BLURB:

Sheltered and cosseted, Sonnet Mendoza abided by her papi’s wishes her whole life: no boys, studies first and always. Now an ER nurse in a busy Chicago hospital, medical school is so close Sonnet can taste it. Just like her father always wanted. Just like she can taste all the things she wants—like Griffith Parker, the man of her dreams and her new housemate.

Working “graves” in a large hospital as a security guard while attending the police academy during the day doesn’t leave ex-Marine Griffith Parker any personal time, but after meeting the beautiful Sonnet Mendoza, business as usual is anything but. Sassy, smart…and interested in him, too? Except, she’s made an art of keeping her distance, and she’s been clear that her plans don’t include him. But the heart wants what the heart wants. His wants Sonnet. He’ll put it on the line to win her.

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EXCERPT

  

It had grown dark, and the lampposts in the parking lot were lit. She had a little pep in her step as she walked to the ER doors, but she stopped and didn’t go in. He was there, hands on his duty belt as he talked with a patient near the security desk. Griffith emitted shock waves of sex appeal, even from where she stood.

           

Oh, hell no.

She’d never be able to walk past him after what she’d done the other night. She reddened. Not like he would even know about her stupid fantasies, but she would. She’d half forgotten he would be on graves with her, too wrapped up in the exhilaration of getting into medical school and…other activities.

Evasive maneuvering seemed the best way to go, so she sidestepped and made her way around to the back employee entrance leading into the ER. She smiled to herself over the minor victory, and pushed against the handle to go in, but it didn’t budge.

“You’ve uh, got to pull it.”

She turned around, and there he stood, dangling a black Maglite in his hand. She reigned in the growl that wanted to surface. “I’m sorry?”

“The door. You need to yank the handle toward you, not push it. There’s a sign.”

Sonnet froze, and eyed the PULL sticker she’d been oblivious to, right above said handle.

“Of course,” she murmured. “Figures.” Even though he must think her an imbecile, she raised her chin with defiance and muttered her thanks as she tugged on the door. It didn’t move.

“Use your badge,” he said. “It’s a security measure so no unauthorized personnel get in.” She glanced at him. He crossed his arms, and his lips fought a losing battle to twitch upward.

Sonnet shook her head, flustered, and rooted around her purse for her work badge. “Look, I realize you think I’m a total moron here, but it’s my first night on the floor, my car had trouble starting earlier, and my nerves are all shot to hell. So, I’d appreciate it if you, your ridiculously stacked chest, and all your muscles wouldn’t judge me, okay? I’m nervous enough as it is. We’re not all perfect.” She held her badge to the RFID reader. The second the green light went on, he beat her to the handle and held the door open for her.

She didn’t see a wedding ring on his left hand. Hmm.

He smirked. “Good to know you like my muscles.” He raised his eyebrows as she clipped past him.

“Shut it, Rambo.”

Buy links:

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Boroughs Publishing

CreateSpace (paperback)

Kobo

Smashwords

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AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Roxanne D. Howard is a U.S. Army veteran who has a bachelor's degree in Psychology and English. She loves to read poetry, classical literature, and Stephen King. Also, she is an avid Star Wars fan, musical theater nut, and marine biology geek. Roxanne resides in the western U.S., and when she's not writing, she enjoys spending time with her husband and children. She also writes science fiction and stage plays as Haley Cavanagh. Roxanne loves to hear from her readers, and encourages you to contact her via her website and social media.




 

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My review:

3.75 out of 5 stars

Sonnet Coupled by Roxanne D. Howard features Sonnet Mendoza, a young nurse with very precise career goals, who encounters temptation personified in the sexy security guard at her new job, Griffith Parker. He, too, has a definite career path that he’s determined to follow. The chemistry between them may make a mockery of their plans, if they give in to their attraction. Maybe it’s time to reconsider what the future looks like…or is it?

This contemporary new adult romance features a delightful slow burn that ratchets up the heat and gives glimpses of the sacrifice and dedication required to serve in two different capacities—the medical field and police force. I enjoyed the Argentinian connection and the mouthwatering descriptions of some of the ethnic dishes and I can only admire the determination and grit that both characters display.

There were a few inconsistencies that bugged me (especially the blithe disregard of the need for protection at the onset of the intimate relationship), I wasn’t quite convinced about one person’s about-face, and I thought the pace was a little uneven, especially at the end when it seemed events were a bit compressed. Those who have triggers should be aware that there is a scene that may be a bit uncomfortable to read.

Despite all of this, I enjoyed watching these two dance around their attraction and draw each other out of their respective shells. I love that there is both passion and cherishing in this romantic tale and I hope we get a chance to see these two as they continue their lives together.

A copy of this title was provided to me for review