Shannon here: Susan Page Davis shares a romantic excerpt from her short story collection, Short and Sweet. Comment or answer the question in this post to enter the drawing for a copy. Deadline: May 21st, 11:59 pm central time. Here’s Susan:
I used to write short stories, for magazines or for fun. I recently decided to publish a collection of my romantic stories, Short and Sweet. They’re just what the title says—they’re short, and they’re sweet.
In each story, two people meet and hit it off. You may see it coming, but usually the hero and heroine don’t. Join the fun.
Here’s an excerpt from one of the thirteen stories in the book, “The Box Social” :
“What do I have to do?” Sam had resigned himself to attending the fund-raiser for the town’s youth center. His sister, Greta, was a swimming instructor there, and he knew he couldn’t escape helping out.
Sam did feel a bit of responsibility. After all, Greta had allowed him to move in and share her house when he’d move back to his hometown. She probably could find another housemate and charge a higher rent than she did for him. She put up with him working at home too, and his messes. Not that Sam was sloppy, but as a graphic artist he sometimes spread out his work—supplies, references, drafts—until the job was done. She never complained.
“Just come and buy a box lunch,” Greta said.
“That’s it?”
“Sure. Well, and eat supper with whoever packed it.”
“I knew there was a catch.” Sam turned back to his computer, scowling. This wasn’t a simple fund-raiser. It was a camouflaged social event.
“Oh, Sam, come on, it’s for a good cause.” Greta was a champion wheedler.
“I know, it’s just—”
“Just that Kathleen broke your heart six months ago, and you’ve determined never to speak to another woman if you can possibly avoid it.”
Sam sighed. “My heart isn’t broken. Let’s just say I’m more cautious now when it comes to females.”
“This is for charity, Sam.”
“Fine, I’ll make a big donation. Just count me out for the box social.”
“Honestly,” Greta cried. “You are the stubbornest man on earth!”
Sam turned to his keyboard and began typing rapidly, but he hoped Greta wouldn’t look too closely at the screen.
“Have you seen the new teacher at the Hillside School?” Greta asked.
“Nope.”
“She brought her class to the youth center for games Thursday. She’s very nice. And she’s making a box lunch for the auction.”
“No.”
“Sam. Please?”
“Last year you had a walk-a-thon. I raised over fifty dollars for you then. I don’t mind walking for charity.”
“We wanted to do something different.”
“All right, all right, just tell me which box is yours. I’ll bid it up to an extravagant price, buy it, and eat supper with my sister.”
“No, thanks. I want to meet a nice guy.”
Sam snorted.
To find out what happened to Sam at the box social and whose box he buys, you’ll have to read the story by that name.
About Susan: Susan Page Davis is the author of more than 100 published novels and novellas in the romance, mystery, historical, and romantic suspense genres. Learn more & connect:
Susan’s Website Susan’s Bookbub Susan’s Facebook
About the collection – Short and Sweet:
A collection of short stories perfect for quick reads. Fall in love with a firefighter, a florist, a soldier, or a church usher. Join Kelly at a wedding, Sam at a charity box social, and Kara at a date she’s looked forward to for ten years. Whether it’s an office romance or a chance meeting on a railroad platform, join the fun and soak up the romance. Stories include “A Piece of Cake,” “Too Many Michaels,” “Unlock My Heart,” “That Jensen Boy,” “Where There’s Smoke,” and eight more.
Can’t wait for the drawing? Worried you won’t win?
Get your Kindle Unlimited copy: Short and Sweet
Interested in Susan’s other titles: Susan’s books
Question for Readers: What’s your favorite type of hero in romance novels?
Come back May 17th for Kimberly Rose Johnson!
Shannon, thanks so much for having me over. My novels have all sorts of heroes–cowboys, law enforcement officers, veterinarians, sailors, even servants. I’d love to hear what readers love to read about.
Glad to have you here, Susan. My favorite is cowboys, obviously. I also like when the guy has been in love with the girl for years, but silently kept his feelings to himself.
Ooh, yeah, me too!
I love cowboys and firemen and law enforcement
Yeah, Sheila! Great heroes in real life and on the page!
I love a military hero or first responder, but any guy who looks out for others is my kind of guy.
I like cowboys, construction workers, pretty much all kinds of heroes!
Cowboys, law enforcement officers and doctors are some of my favorites.
I like the strong silent type but who is godly and can come to the rescue when needed.
I have a winner! Joan Arning won the drawing. I appreciate Susan for being my guest and everyone else for stopping by.