I’m so happy to have Laura back here on the release day of her latest story!

When Love Whispers (Beaumont Brides Book 2) by Laura Haley-McNeil releases today in the New Adult, Contemporary romance genre.

Sometimes, love comes in packages. As the top ranked student at Charleston’s military academy, Preston Lowe excels in class, in sports and with women. Only Willow Dockery, a barmaid at the city’s trendy nightclub, sees the pain in his eyes when he’s out with friends having a good time. But Willow doesn’t know how Preston inwardly struggles to forget a past that could derail the career he’s worked hard to achieve.  

Willow wrestles with her own secrets. After a disastrous relationship leaves her broke and disillusioned, she vows never to let anyone rob her of her dreams again. But as she gets to know Preston, it’s as if their tumultuous pasts meld together into something so startling it transforms their relationship and their lives forever.

A few minutes later Preston stood in front of Willow’s apartment building. He glanced at the second story. A light was on in her apartment. What was she doing at midnight? Maybe doing what he was doing―wondering about her future. Her future and her baby’s future.

A couple walked out of the building. He grabbed the door and stepped into the foyer. Swallowing a lungful of air, he took the steps two at a time to Willow’s apartment. He stared at her door. What was he doing here?

Before his mind could form an answer, he knocked on her door. “Willow?”

There was a movement as if someone crossed the room. He felt her standing on the other side of the door. He felt her warmth and her reticence.

“Willow, it’s me, Preston.” He raked fingers through his hair.

“I can see that,” she said through the door. “It’s late.”

Why had he come? He’d been thinking about his military career. He’d been thinking about the medical tests. The career he’d wanted his entire life hung in the balance. Through these thoughts, Willow continued to emerge as if she were a lighthouse in his troubled storm.

“You’re right. I shouldn’t have come.” He turned away.

“Wait.” A moment passed. She opened the door.

He glanced over his shoulder at her. She wore a short terrycloth robe cinched around her waist. A lace nightgown peeked beneath the robe’s hem and floated around her ankles like fog. Soft hair curled against her face. Her skin was creamy in that soft, I’m-sleepy way. He gritted his teeth against the pitch in his stomach.

The door across the hall cracked open.

“Good night, Mrs. Chaceporc.” Willow’s voice was sweet and honeyed, and she peered past Preston to the opposite unit.

Preston turned to the neighbor’s door. It slammed shut.

“Come in.” Willow turned away. “We can’t talk in the hallway. Everyone will hear.”

Preston stepped inside and closed the door.

Facing him, she tipped her head. “Well?”

“You want to know why I’m here.” His gaze shifted away from her hard stare. He rubbed the back of his neck.

“That would be a good place to start.” She folded arms across her chest, that seemed fuller than the last time he saw her, and stared at him.

“I’m here because …” How did he explain he’d been thinking about her? How did he explain there wasn’t a moment when he wasn’t thinking about her?

She arched her brows. The expectant look in her eyes made him want to cup her sweet face in his hands and kiss her.

“I need to get back to campus.” He reached for the door.

“Oh, no, you don’t.” She stepped in front of him. “You came here for a reason. I think we both need to know what that is.” She sniffed and her eyes widened. “Preston Lowe, have you been drinking? You smell like bourbon.”

He shook his head. “I don’t drink bourbon.”

She swung her head. “You did tonight. You’re staying here. I hope you didn’t drive. You sit right here.” Taking his hand, she guided him to the Victorian sofa.

Would you like to know Preston Lowe, the hero in When Love Whispers? Here’s some interesting information about him:

Describe the kind of clothes he prefers to wear. He loves to be comfortable, but as a military cadet, he wears the academy uniform during the day. After class, he can’t wait to dive into running shorts and a t-shirt. He’s a runner, and he’s running every free moment.

What is he like around children? He isn’t accustomed to children, but there’s one baby he loves and wants to hold. He never thought he wanted a family. He’s determined to pursue his military career, but when he sees Willow holding her baby, the confusing surge of emotions make him wonder what he really wants.

Does he drink coffee? If so, how does he take it? If not, what does he drink instead?  He’s not a coffee drinker. Because he’s a runner, he drinks lots of water. Not that he likes water, but he needs to stay hydrated, even in a humid place like Charleston.

What apps would he have on his phone? He has all the phone apps. One of his favorites is the food delivery service. When he’s studying, he’ll often miss meals. He has a senior project due and he’d rather work on that than eat. He’s an eat to live type of guy. Even though he’s a runner, he can’t resist a cheeseburger and fries. He also likes the flower order app. After all, what better way to make a new mother smile that order her a bouquet of two dozen red roses?

Beard or clean-shaven? He has to be clean-shaven. At the academy, haircuts and shaving are part of a strict standard, but when he’s forced to spend a few weeks at Willow’s family’s farm, he relaxes from the academy’s strict code and enjoy a laxer standard.

Personal vehicle or public transport? He doesn’t care what he drives, but his mother, with her newfound wealth, greeted him Christmas morning with a new sports car. It’s a babe magnetic, which he’d appreciate if he had time for women, but he enrolled in the academy to pursue a military career and that’s his focus … for now.

Meet the Author

Laura Haley-McNeil is an award-winning author of romantic suspense and women’s fiction in novel length and in short stories. Her work has been featured in several women’s magazines. She has studied piano and ballet and has been a board member for two community orchestras. She and her husband reside in Colorado. When she isn’t writing, she jogs, bicycles and crochets.

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Release Day for When Love Whispers (Beaumont Brides Book 2) by Laura Haley-McNeil and Meet the Character #amreading #bookworm #fiction #mustread #goodreads #greatread #whattoread #bookblogger #romance #contemporary

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