Happy publication day to Kim Knight! To celebrate the release of Chances: A Puerto Rican Love Affair, Kim is giving away FREE books!!!
Chances, a Puerto Rican Love Affair (Romance Set in Paradise #3) STANDALONE
Expected Publication Date: February 6th, 2020
Genre: Romantic Suspense/ Multicultural
Would you risk a second chance, 4,000 miles away in paradise?
Chances, A Puerto Rican Love Affair is book three of the Romance Set In Paradise Series. Of romantic, steamy and suspenseful stand-alone novella length stories, all set in exotic locations around the world. Each one can be read as a stand-alone book.
Thirty-one year old Gabby from Barcelona, Spain has a love for the finer things in life including successful men. She finds herself in need of a change of scene. Opportunity knocks when the European company she works for as a successful estate agent, selling properties to elite clientele expand. Giving her the chance to take a one month work sabbatical, in the beautiful vibrant Caribbean island Puerto Rico. She snaps up the chance to leave Europe behind. Here her path crosses with thirty-five year old Puerto Rican born Mateo Sanchez. A former ‘bad boy’ turned entrepreneur. They touch each other on a physical and soul level, the two become connected. Thing is, while the passion, heat and romance builds between the two, the pair’s love affair becomes caught up in a web of lies, deceit, and betrayal from the past.
Mateo and Gabby fight hard for their blossoming relationship, and against the drama that keeps following them. But there are decisions and sacrifices to make if they are really going to make it work. There’s nothing that Mateo won’t do to show his growing admiration for Gabby, even when the police get involved and he’s in the hot seat. His hand is forced he’s pushed to make moves he promised he would never do again, due to past events and to move forward with Gabby. Gabby is faced with the decision over what sacrifices she’ll make, and where she really sees her future. Back in Spain, London or 4,000 miles away in Puerto Rico. Romance, soul mate connection, heat, lies, betrayal and brushes with the law await readers in this exciting multicultural ‘second chance’ romance.
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Excerpt
CHAPTER ONE: WHEN IT ALL FALLS DOWN
“Hi.”
“Hello, who’s this?”
“Um…it’s Gabby. I promised I’d call, I hope it’s a good time?”
“Oh…hey. There’s never a good time for this but… I’m sorry you had to find out like this.”
“ Please, just tell me the truth. What’s been going on?” Gabby grips the phone tighter.
“Well…like I said in my message Gabby, Chris and I met a while back, he asked for my number then one thing led to another. As far as I was concerned he was single, so we started dating.”
“Hmm, fucking you mean.” Gabby retorts down the line with irritation.
“Ha, well I hate to disappoint you, yeah that too, Gabby.”
Gabby rubs her forehead as the familiar feeling of a migraine pounds between her eyebrows. “I can’t believe this. Single?” She questions in a low voice.
“Well, yeah that’s what he told me. What else do ya want me to say? I can’t lie.”
Gabby moves from off the sofa over to the table and grabs a tissue. Her hands shake with frustration as she processes the news for the second time. Somehow the email exchange was not enough to bring her to her senses she had to speak with her.
“How long ago was this?”
“Gabby, I answered all this on Facebook. Like I said, we’ve been together six months now.”
“Right, I’m sorry. I just… I can’t—”
“Can’t believe it? You don’t have to explain yourself like I said, I’m sorry to disappoint you. What happened between you two?”
Sighing, holding back her tears, Gabby faces the mirror above the table. As she wipes her nose her red-rimmed eyes, sore from the tears she shed while she tried to summon the courage to dial the international number stare back at her. Gabby clears her throat, finding her voice. “We met a year ago, things were difficult due to the distance but we both made time for each other. We visited each other, wrote letters and talked on Skype. Then…then things started to die down a bit.”
“A year? So let me get this straight, you’re in Spain, right?” The questioning sarcasm in Jade’s voice does not go unnoticed by Gabby.
“Right but like I said Jade, we have regular contact.”
On the other end of the line Jade examine her nails, bored already with Gabby. “Hmm, how did you meet?”
“Long story short, while I was over in London on a business trip. The company I work for is expanding and the UK is one of the markets they want to enter.”
“Shit I can’t believe this is happening Gabby, I don’t even know what to say.”
“Me neither.”
“Well you may as well give up on him, even if it’s been a year. You’re in Spain, Chris is here…with me.”
“Hold on a second we’ve been together a year and—”
“No, you were together. Like you said, ‘things died down.’ Now you know why he’s been with me. Give it up, it will never work. Plus, he loves me.”
“Hold on a second Jade you can’t just—”
“Girl, bye!”
Gabby throws her phone down on the table when the line goes dead, in such a rage, the screen shutters on the impact. “Bitch, I can’t believe this shit!”
The next morning…
“Gabby, how did the viewing go yesterday? It was the villa over in the Pedralbes area, right?”
Looking up from her computer screen, Gabby places her sandwich to one side. Shit, I hate it when she does that! So much for a lunch break. Forcing a smile across her lips she acknowledges her boss, Sofia, standing tall in front of her like she’s the Devil herself.
“Yeah, it was okay. An older British guy and a younger wife they seemed to really like it. He’s pretty wealthy and after a second home.”
“Is that all? What, no follow up? You’re slipping, Gabby. I don’t need to remind you that we’re in the middle of a potential financial crisis, with the British withdrawing from the EU. They’re our biggest buyers, so follow that shit up, see if he wants to make an offer before we lose him to some shit-faced agent down the street.”
OMG, she’s right. “Yeah, okay I’ll get on to it I’ll just finish my—”
“Now Gabby, don’t make me ask you twice.”
Gabby watches Sofia, stone-faced, turn on her heels then sashay out back to her office. Glancing at her planner, the number for Mr. Daniels catches her eye. The phone rings just as she reaches for it.
“Hello Barcelona Properties, Gabriella speaking how can I help?”
“Gabby what’s up how’s it going?” A deep cockney London accent meets her ear. Not the British accent she was hoping for.
“Chris I’ve told you time and time again, stop fucking calling me. Especially at work.”
“Gabby, please hear me out. I’m sorry okay. I’m free tonight, can we at least meet up on Skype so we can—”
Dropping the phone back on its receiver she moves her attention back over to her computer screen. This morning head office sent out an email to all employees of Barcelona Properties, to apply for a sabbatical in Puerto Rico. Between bites of her now half-eaten sandwich she reads over the memo again, considering the chance to get away from it all. Man, this could be the answer to all my shitty problems right now. Chris clearly thinks it’s okay to cheat.
She never meant to turn into a snooping, paranoid, long-distance girlfriend, but he left her no choice after the communication started to die down. A sarcastic giggle escapes her, hmm too bad he never hid his Facebook shit well enough! He might just have got away with it. What kinda fool does he think I am?
When the calls and plans to see each other became less frequent, she put two and two together, did her own investigations, and sure enough came up with a result. Now, he’s permanently on her mental shit-list. Sighing, she leans back and discards her sandwich, her appetite suddenly gone. Why does he have to tick every box on my list! Focus Gabby, damn. Picking up the phone she dials Mr. Daniels following up on yesterday’s property viewing.
“Hi Mr. Daniels, it’s Gabby from Barcelona Properties.”
“Hi great to hear from you again.” He responds in a friendly tone down the line.
“I’m just calling to see if you’ve had a chance to think about the villa we saw. It’s been on the market for a while, but the seller has just dropped the asking price. It’s an excellent investment for the right buyer.”
“Ah yeah, we liked it a lot, I’d like a second viewing. When are you free?”
Flipping open her planner Gabby’s heart races at the thought of closing a possible sale, that would earn her a heavy commission and hopefully put her back in Sofia’s good books.
“Let’s see, I’m free this afternoon if that suits you.”
“Great, the later the better. How about four p.m.?”
“Excellent, do you remember how to get there? I can meet you there or at your hotel.”
“We’ll be fine, see you in a few hours.”
“Look forward to it. See you soon.”
Disconnecting the call Gabby gives herself a high-five. Please let him make an offer after all of this. Satisfied she’s now earned her break, she clicks back to the work memo then reads over it again.
From: Head Office
To: All employees
Sent:1st July, 9:30
Subject: Sabbatical Opportunity
Dear all,
As you know, Barcelona Properties is in the process of expanding its international offices across Europe, the UK, and Caribbean. We are pleased to announce there has been an increase in property demand, at the Puerto Rico branch opened last year. All employees with at least twelve months continued service are invited to apply for this exciting opportunity. A one month sabbatical over at Puerto Rico from the14th July – 14th August this summer! We hope to offer further opportunities as the company grows and demand increases in the UK and European branches.
This is an excellent opportunity to expand your skills and experience in real estate management, in an exciting and vibrant part of the world. Your basic salary will remain the same, however your commission will match the market of the Caribbean. Accommodation, training, and travel expenses will all be covered. All you need to bring is a positive attitude and the desire to learn about this new market overseas.
If you are interested details are below. Please complete the attached application form and submit to the Human Resources Manager by the 3rd July at 5.00p.m.
Good luck!
Yours faithfully
Head Office
With just two days until the application closing date, Gabby’s mind goes into overdrive. The possibility of relocating to the Caribbean could be just what she needs.
“Gabby.” Sofia’s voice echoes around the room as she sticks her head around the door. Lost in her own daydream of Puerto Rico, she never even noticed her open the door.
“Hmm, yes.”
“Did you get hold of the clients?”
“Yep, I did and we have a second viewing later this afternoon, they seemed to like it.”
“Excellent! Now that’s how it’s done. Remember, Gabby, this industry moves fast, and buyers have so much choice these days, with a new agency popping up on every corner. Always follow up, okay?”
“I know Sofia…I’m sorry it’s just—”
“Aww Gabby, look, I know. I know you’re normally as sharp as a razor that’s why I offered you the job. Let me guess, it’s Chris, right?”
Staring back at her boss with teary eyes, Gabby runs her hand through her long dark hair in frustration.
“Yeah, everyone warned me about long distance relationships, Sofia. But I was so sure that Chris would be faithful, that he was the one.”
Sofia slowly makes her way into Gabby’s office, closing the door behind her shutting out the phones ringing and their co-workers chasing the next house or rental deal. Lowering herself into a chair beside Gabby’s desk, she places a hand on her shoulder then meets her eye.
“Gabby, don’t beat yourself up. You didn’t know you couldn’t trust him. Believe me I’ve had my fair share of cheaters too, but they’re not all like that.”
Sighing, Gabby pulls out her powder compact from her bag, and checks over her eye make-up. The last thing she needs is for her false lashes to shift out of place, from her wet eyes, right before she heads out to meet a client.
“I guess so. I’m sorry okay I’ll focus more on the clients.” Gabby promises.
“No worries. Hey, you’re thinking of applying for the sabbatical?” Sofia points to Gabby’s screen with a broad smile on her face. Gabby quickly meets her eye her mouth drops open. Oh shit… but relief comes over her when she sees that her boss is half-smiling. Her usual resting bitch face is not on show, pheww! Sofia’s okay with it.
“I thought about it, it could be fun. But, the state I’m in I really don’t know if I’ve got it in me to learn the ropes of a new branch.”
“What, are you kidding me? This could be just what you need— a change of scene. Trust me, even I’m tempted.” Sofia looks around the office in a dreamy state. “But I’ve got the kids and my husband is in the middle of juggling a few projects at work. The timing’s not really right. For you, though, it’s perfect. Think about it.”
Sofia gets to her feet, smoothing down her pencil skirt as she tucks in her white silk shirt, then adjusts her peals round her neck.
“I better get going, clients to follow up and all. Why don’t you finish early today after you meet Mr. Daniels?”
“No, honestly I’m—”
“Gabby, you’re not okay. Take the rest of the afternoon off. You’ve only got two days to decide what you wanna do. Plus, you’re a native Spanish speaker so you stand a good chance at snapping up this Puerto Rico gig. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
As Sofia closes the door Gabby’s phone buzzes in her bag. What now Chris. Fishing her phone out, a half-smile tugs at her lips as she narrows her eyes at her cracked screen to make out the name. Oh thank God.
From: Valentina
Sent:1st July 2:00p.m.
Hey, guess who got in contact on Facebook. He’s desperate Gabby! What’s going on?
Urgh! Leave me be Chris, just let me think. Hitting reply, she responds.
From: Gabby
To: Valentina
Sent:1st July 2:05p.m.
Nothing, that’s what’s going on! I can’t believe he contacted you, what did he say?
From: Valentina
To: Gabby
Sent:1st July 2:07p.m
We need to talk! Drop by the salon after work.
From: Gabby
To: Valentina
Sent:1st July 2:09p.m.
I’ll be there for 5, the latest.
Available on Amazon!
FREE BOOKS!!!!
On February 6th, 9th, and 10th, Kim Knight is offering free downloads of books #1 and #2 of her Romance Set in Paradise Series, and you can dowload The Suspenseful Collection, Volume #1 for free on February 6th!
Havana Heat- Book #1 Romance Set In Paradise
Overcoming the past is not easy, when the future seems just as scary…
Havana Heat is book one of the Romance Set in Paradise series of steamy, suspenseful, romantic stand-alone novella length stories, set in exotic locations around the world. Readers are transported to the paradise of Cuba’s capital Havana, following the romance and heat build between Spanish Detective Sebastian Garcia, and London born and bred wedding planner Melinda Jones. Melinda’s path crosses with the handsome and charming Detective at Casa De Amour Hotel as a guest at her client’s exotic location wedding. Both characters are in search of a slice of paradise, away from their own troubled love life back home. Originally with different agendas, once their paths cross the romance and sizzle begins.
After all hell breaks out at Casa De Amour Hotel, conflict builds over Sebastian’s past, both characters are faced with a decision to take a risk and see out their romance, or walk away. Forever asking themselves what could have been with their chances of love. Sebastian and Melinda both grow as individuals from their encounter in Havana, following a few bumps along the way they find the real meaning of love. Romance, thrills and excitement await in book one of this romance series set in paradise.
Download HERE
Lover’s Retreat Book #2 Romance Set In Paradise
From enemies to lovers, learning to live, laugh and love again is so much better with a partner in crime, and soul mate…
Lover’s Retreat is book #2 of the Romance Set in Paradise Series of stand alone steamy, suspenseful and romantic novella length stories. All set in exotic locations around the world.
For thirty seven year old recluse Yasmin O’Neil, life feels like one crisis after another. Her husband left her five years ago, she starts to suspect she’s losing her hearing, and then her mother is diagnosed with cancer. When her mother passes away her fortune changes. Yasmin is fifty thousand pounds richer from her mother’s estate. Taking her fate into her own hands after years of being a recluse, she rediscovers herself at a spiritual retreat in Sri Lanka south Asia, before she plans to spend the next six months travelling around the world. In Sri Lanka, Yasmin’s path crosses with Michael Thomas, an army soldier on his own path of self discovery. With their luke warm initial encounter the pair don’t hit it off straight away. After some push and pull the two move from enemies to lovers they are finally on the same page. Their encounter turns from luke warm to steamy sizzling hot.
In Lover’s Retreat two very different characters originally on different paths, embrace the need for change and companionship in order to live life to its fullest again. Set in the back drop of paradise, palm trees and untouched nature of Sri Lanka, and the Caribbean these two lonely souls gain more than just self discovery they gain a soul mate.
Download HERE
The Suspenseful Collection, Volume #1
For Mature Readers Only:
A suspenseful novel with a twist. Eight short stories, by two suspense authors, from diverse backgrounds. From opposite sides of the Atlantic these stories have been created. One author started the tale and the other ended it. No discussion, no pre-planning, but yet their stories are seamless. With just creativity and the use of writing prompts, to craft one tale, with two different writers. This anthology of suspenseful, fast paced and engaging tales covers multiple genres. From heart felt romance, crime, fantasy, and steamy historical fiction. There is a story for everyone!
Steamy Historical Crime Fiction: It was The First Time I Killed A Man.
It’s 1972 and New York’s first female serial killer Lisa Vanacilli is in the hot seat again, ten years after her conviction of murder to the first degree and innocent plea. The ruthless but sexy reporter Tiffany Low cracks Lisa for a confession… at a price. Lisa is strong, courageous and says it how it is. This story has been extended due to reader’s demand. And is only for adult readers.
Psychological Fiction: Every Time I Hear That Voice From The Basement.
George appears to be harmless. The local neighbourhood geek on the outside, married to Jolene. In reality, he’s a very disturbed man. His path crosses with Dana, the local check out girl. This is a psychological suspense story with a twist.
Crime Fiction: The Entrance To The Tunnel Is His Only Way Out.
Juan is a wanted man, and an ex-gang member on the run from Atlanta to Mexico. With a hundred grand in cash stolen from his ex-boss, he meets an unlikely fate in Mexico. A fast-paced crime fiction story.
Contemporary Romance: When His Hands Run Up My Thighs I…
Love has no time limit, age limit or use by date. Sarah now in her fifties is reunited with her long-lost love Joshua. They last had contact in 1961. In the present day, thanks to the advancement of technology their paths cross. A heart-warming and modern tale, about long distance love, that will leave you warm inside.
Suspense: We Only Said Goodbye With Words, I Died A Hundred Times:
In 1963 Russian Femme Fatale Mila Petrov is London’s top Madam. Her entertainment house is booming, she has a team of London’s strongest women behind her. Unfinished business from her past creeps up and haunts her. It’s nothing she can’t handle. A suspenseful historical tale, with a strong femme fatale.
Fantasy: The Ones Who Live At The Bottom Of The Ocean, Come To The Surface.
A beautiful coming of age story, featuring sixteen year old Zoe and her mother May-Li. Myth becomes reality, as Zoe finds out who and what she really is. Her mixed descent reveals more than what meets the eye. This fantasy story is set against the backdrop of a Greek island and Hong Kong, China.
Suspenseful Crime Fiction: Guilty As Charged, In Self-Defence
California’s sassy, tough, and likeable defence lawyer Catherine has taken on a case so high profile, if she wins she’ll become a partner of Martin Law Firm. Defending forty six year old Mrs. Chevelle. An ex Las Vegas show girl, now a Hollywood wife, on trial for the murder of her high-profile husband. She claims she’s innocent. Readers are taken on a fast -paced journey on a mission to seek the truth.
Contemporary Fiction: It’s A Man’s Man’s World:
A beautiful modern tale showing the love and appreciation of a woman. James Brown said it right when he said, “it’s a man’s man’s world, but it would mean nothing without a woman or a girl.”
Download HERE
About the Author
Kim is born in 1983 and from London in the UK. She’s a mother to a beautiful little boy, and a proud award winning author (awarded Best Romance 2017 title for A Stranger In France). Kim started her journey as a traditionally published author and later dived into self-publishing also.
As a reader she’s head over heels in love with romance, historical fiction, crime fiction, African- American, suspense and thriller genre books. As a writer, Kim enjoys creating stories with a diverse and multi-cultural line up, within the romance, romantic suspense and general thriller and crime genres. When she’s not reading, or writing stories of her own her other passions include practising her French, astrology, fashion, make-up artistry, drawing, spending time at her sewing machine dressmaking, watching make -up and beauty tutorials on YouTube, letter writing and being a mum.
@kimknightauthor- Twitter
@kimknightauthoruk- Facebook
Book Blitz Organized By:
Guys! I read so many books in January! It was a great reading month for me and now I will share it with you. Check it out if you want to and let me know what you think!
The Weighing of the Heart
A Fool’s Circle
In the Shadow of the Hanging Tree
American Flowers
