Author: Anastasia McKellan
Publisher: Chances Press
Date of publication: March 2013
Eighteen months ago, Navy pilot Greg
Marsters was banished from Wyndham
Shores, Massachusetts
after his marriage fell apart. Now he’s returned to spend his shore leave
restoring antique schooners for his old mentor so that he can buy a boat of his
own. After making the biggest mistake of his life, Greg has vowed to steer
clear of romantic entanglements, but he soon finds himself drawn to an old
friend from high school.
Melanie Grantham is the only person in
town interested in hearing Greg’s side of the story, and despite his promise to
sail away alone the first second he can, Greg takes her up on her offer for the
sexual healing they’re both in desperate need of. Their hot nights throw him
for a loop, and the sex is out of this world. But Greg can’t forgive himself
for the mistakes of his past. Will he leave Melanie behind again before he
realizes he’s been given another chance for true love?
Shore Leave is a quick story about Greg and Melanie. Greg is a Navy pilot who returns home on leave to make some extra money on the side. The catch is that everyone in the town seems to hate him because he cheated on his wife with his sister-in-law. Melanie has always liked Greg and decides to give him the benefit of the doubt. The attraction is intense and pretty hot.
I enjoyed the story, for the msot part. Despite his infidelty (which I despise), I liked Greg. I thought he did a good job of beating himself up for what he did. I also felt he was genuinely sorry and knew it was one mistake he would never make again. What annoyed me was that no one seemed mad with the sister-in-law. Wasn't she just as guilty? I was happy to see Melanie help Greg work through his self-pity and start to forgive himself. My problem was that I didn't really buy the HEA. I thought it was too fast. These two needed more time together in order to make a big commitment.
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Excerpt:
Melanie leaned toward him. Greg moved
closer but hesitated, as if unsure whether he should bring his mouth to hers.
She pressed her lips to his, testing him out, seeing if he’d respond. He did.
They kissed, their mouths melding into one another. She parted her lips and
felt his mouth open against hers in response. Then he sank his tongue into her
mouth and shifted closer to her.
He deepened the kiss further. She felt a
twinge between her thighs and moaned softly in her throat when his tongue
rubbed against hers. Then he pulled away.
“Mel, what’s going on here?” he asked.
“Kissing. Do you like it?”
He looked at her. “Yeah. I like it a
lot.”
“Me, too. No one would guess you’re out
of practice.”
He laughed quietly.
She grew serious, her smile fading.
“I’ve always wondered what it would be like to kiss you.”
“And now—”
“You’ve exceeded my expectations.”
He smiled. “Is that right?”
She nodded. Melanie leaned in and kissed
him some more, and Greg placed one hand on her hip and explored the curve of
her. His other hand went to her breast, touching her lightly through her
T-shirt.
She slid her lips over his throat,
exploring the rough texture where the stubble was beginning to come in. Even
after their long day he smelled like aftershave. It mixed with his unique
masculine scent and she couldn’t get enough. She licked the five-o’clock shadow
on his neck and explored the texture of the softer skin below. She ran her hand
down his chest, feeling the hard muscles draw in beneath her hands.
Then she placed her hand over the bulge
in his crotch, rubbing lightly while they kissed. She felt him harden through
his jeans.
Greg touched her hand. “What’s happening
here, Mel?”
She licked her lips, her breath coming
fast, her heart pounding. “I want you. But you’re not feeling it.”
“I’m feeling it, but I haven’t even
taken you out on a real date.”
“I’d like you to take me out,” she said.
“Tomorrow night. Eight o’clock.”
“Yes.”
“Mel, whether we go out or not, I can’t
give you what you need,” Greg said. “A meaningful relationship is the last
thing I’m after right now.”
“Who said anything about a meaningful
relationship?”
“What are you saying?” Greg asked.
“I’m saying we could have this for now.
If you’ll let me.”
“I’ve got nothing to give you.”
“I have nothing to give you, either.”
She kissed him again. “Take off your shirt,” she murmured in his ear.
He did. She slowly kissed her way down
his bare chest, then his stomach, as she went. Then she slid to her knees on
the carpet and reached for the zipper of his jeans.
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About the author:
Anastasia McKellan has always loved losing herself between
the pages of a book, and she enjoys writing stories about redemption and love
that lasts forever. Her hobbies include taking long walks, studying film
history, and hanging out with her two dogs. She currently resides in Washington, D.C. Wherever she is, she’d rather be by the
sea. For more information about Anastasia and her books, feel free to contact
her at info@chancespress.com.
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