Book Spotlight (and a Giveaway!): A Brother’s Promise by Mindy Obenhaus

Welcome to the Blog Tour for A Brother’s Promise by Mindy Obenhaus, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours! Keep reading for a swoony excerpt & a great giveaway!

A BROTHER’S PROMISE
Series: Bliss, Texas #2
Genre: Inspirational Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Harlequin Love Inspired
Release Date: February 23, 2021
Pages: 189

A little girl will change his world…

He didn’t realize he wanted a family…

until he suddenly became a single dad.

After his sister’s death, rancher Mick Ashford’s determined to ensure his orphaned niece, Sadie, feels at home. And accepting guidance from Christa Slocum is his first step. But just as Christa and Sadie start to settle into Mick’s heart, Sadie’s paternal grandparents sue for custody. Now Mick must fight to keep them together…or risk losing the makeshift family he’s come to love.

Christa was gathering up her things when Sadie hugged her around the waist.

“I’m so glad you helpeded me.” She peered up at the woman. “I’m sorry if I bovered you.”

Christa looked surprised. “Sadie, you are never a bother. Why would you think that?”

“Uncle Mickey said we shouldn’t bover you.”

“I see.” Christa’s gaze cut to Mick. “Next time you’ll have to remind your Uncle Mickey that I like spending time with you. Both of you.” She turned her attention back to Sadie. “Now I want you to have the bestest Valentine’s party ever, okay?”

“Okay.”

“Come on, Dixie.” Christa started toward the door.

“I’ll walk you out.” Mick looked at his niece. “Sadie, it’s getting late. I want you to get your pajamas on and brush your teeth. I’ll be right back.”

He followed Christa and her dog onto the porch, feeling a bit uncertain, but determined to push forward anyway.

Shoving his hands into the pockets of his jeans, he said, “You, uh, said you like spending time with both Sadie and I.” He shrugged. “Is that just on occasion or a regular basis?”

Now it was her turn to look nervous. And that suited him just fine. “I’ve grown fond of you both.”

He dared a step closer. “Can I just be honest here?”

“Please.”

“I like you.” He shoved a frustrated hand through his hair. He sounded like some bumbling teenager. “And I don’t know if it’s just me, but I can’t help wondering if this—” he waved a hand between them “—could be something more than friendship.”

She licked her lips. Rocked back on her heels. And stared toward the barn for the longest time. “No. It’s not just you.”

“That’s a relief.” He couldn’t help but smile when she finally met his gaze. “I’m not sure where to go from here, though.”

Something flickered in her hazel eyes. “Well, we could start by picking up where we left off Saturday night at my place. You know—” she tilted her head “—before Sadie woke up.”

Under the light of a full moon, his heart pounded as he closed the distance between them. He cupped her face in his hands, his thumbs caressing the soft skin of her cheeks. She was so beautiful. And she liked him, simple cowboy that he was.

Lowering his head, he claimed her sweet lips, allowing his fingers to thread into her soft waves. Her hair smelled like apples. He inhaled deeper, longing to get lost in her. She was as refreshing as an autumn day after a long, hot summer. And she was in his arms.

When he finally pulled away, he tucked her head beneath his chin and held her, savoring the feel of her. He didn’t want this moment to end.

Whatever was going on inside him was something completely new and different from anything he’d ever experienced before. It scared him to death, while filling him with more happiness than he’d ever imagined.

God, whatever You’re up to here, please don’t let me blow it.

affiliate links used