I'm a bookworm and I go through books like water. This is my blog discussing various books/authors and sometimes random musings. That's just how I roll. I love promoting great stories and authors. Sit back, relax and join me.
RULE #1: Do not catch feelings for the man who doesn't believe in love.
An Armored Heart by RC Boldt is now live!
Four months. That's how long I'll need to pretend to be Steele Cunningham's doting girlfriend.
I agreed to this insanity only to save my restaurant. He's doing it because he needs someone outside his "social circle" to stick it to his meddling parents and clingy ex.
Ruthless and emotionless in both his personal life and his career, Steele's ego rivals his net worth.
Operating on joy and positivity—and a healthy bit of feistiness—I challenge him at every step.
He's a tin man—heartless and cold. Falling for him would be a colossal mistake, because there's no chance he'll ever love me.
He can't.
After all, he's the man with an armored heart.
Download today on Amazon, Apple Books, Barnes & Noble, Google Play, and Kobo!
My ReviewWhew boy! I was excited for this book from RC Boldt! I love a good forced proximity/pretend relationship and this book DID NOT disappoint! First off, the way Steele and Ella first met had me cackling! Ella was a spit fire and did not care who Steele was. Suddenly things took a turn neither saw coming and it put them in path to see each other often. I LOVED how Ella got to Steele. Ella was everything Steele was not. Warm, loving and considerate. But they had two entirely different upbringings and honestly, these two couldn't have been better suited. Steele just took a lot longer to deal with than most men :) Ella was a force to be reckoned with and she's someone I'd want to be friends with! She was loyal and loved fiercely. This book had heart and heat and everything in between. You do not want to miss this read!Meet RC Boldt
RC Boldt is a USA Today bestselling author currently living in part of the Costa Rican jungle with the love of her life and her mini-me.
If you’re in the mood for some killer mojitos or can’t recall the lyrics to a particular 80s song, she’s your girl.
I've been an outcast my whole life. If my scars don't scare people away, my attitude certainly will. I don't know what I am or how I got the power to stop time. What I do know is, there are far too many questions I need answers to. When I cross paths with a local gang member, his presence unravels a part of my past I never knew existed. At every turn, danger leaps closer, and I realize that stopping the killer will mean losing everything—including the first man I've ever loved. But I should've known better. We were never meant to be anything more than a brief stop in time.
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Ooh boy! I love me some RC Boldt and this book was captivating! I love how unique the story is and these characters have real depth to them. They are MUCH more than they look. I really enjoyed the way Mac's story is told. The reader gets small pieces of a time to her past. Daniel is an added bonus. She wasn't looking for anyone and Daniel just wanted answers on his sister. I loved the chemistry between them and I was cheering for them. Mac's life hasn't been easy and I certainly didn't see that coming … I'm going to make you read :) And I loved the cameos from characters from another book. You'll just have to read to find out who! But I can't recommend this book enough. SO DARN GOOD!!!
Meet RC Boldt
RC Boldt is a USA Today bestselling author currently living in part of the Costa Rican jungle with the love of her life and her mini-me.
If you’re in the mood for some killer mojitos or can’t recall the lyrics to a particular 80s song, she’s your girl.
USA Today bestselling author RC Boldt delivers a seductively unique romantic suspense with a paranormal twist in Beyond My Darkness...
Twelve years ago, I fled, vowing to never again use my power. But everything changes when I break that vow and bring two bodies back to life in the morgue.
It sends me spinning directly into his orbit.
Arrogant. Menacing. Enigmatic. That's Bronson Cortez, the notoriously violent gang leader who remains elusive to authorities.
He breaks the law at every turn and answers to no one. But when he offers me a glimpse of what lies beneath that iron-clad exterior, I realize there's more to him than meets the eye.
The man who fiercely guards his heart somehow manages to claim mine.
But he doesn't know the truth about me.
I wonder if he could be the first to accept me for who I am—what I am.
I wonder if he'll be the first to see beyond my darkness.
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WOWWWWWWWW!! This book totally blew me away. I wasn't sure where it was going, but I was HERE FOR IT! I loved the push/pull between these characters. RC Boldt made me FEEL everything and I couldn't put the book down. I enjoyed the way the reader knows Georgia's past is bad. My heart hurt for the little girl she once was. And Bronson.... WHEW! Fans self. What a guy! I loved Georgia's sass and her IDGAF attitude. She wasn't letting a little thing like a threat from a gang leader stop her. I found myself smiling throughout this book (it was a good thing I read it from home or I would have looked a little crazy) and going through the emotions with Georgia. I can't express HOW GOOD this book is! If you're willing to try something a little on the paranormal side, then DO NOT MISS THIS BOOK! Seriously. Top read of 2022 for me!
Meet RC Boldt
RC Boldt is a USA Today bestselling author currently living in part of the Costa Rican jungle with the love of her life and her mini-me.
If you’re in the mood for some killer mojitos or can’t recall the lyrics to a particular 80s song, she’s your girl.
My ReviewI was HERE for this book! I really enjoyed the mystery as to who she was. Dr. King finds her and patches her up. And while she is healing, he takes care of her. I enjoyed watching their budding relationship and how the past intermixes with the now. The reader is slowly given hints into who she is and what her upbringing looked like. Dr. King isn't without his secrets as well. Both of these characters had an intense past and things were bound to catch up to them, right?! GAH! I was hooked on this book and couldn't read it fast enough! Please do yourselves a favor and grab your copy today!
Meet RC Boldt
RC Boldt is a USA Today bestselling author currently living in part of the Costa Rican jungle with the love of her life and her mini-me.
If you’re in the mood for some killer mojitos or can’t recall the lyrics to a particular 80s song, she’s your girl.
Sometimes, it takes becoming a monster in order to kill one.
The Silencer by RC Boldt is now live!
USA Today bestselling author RC Boldt brings us an unforgettable tale of betrayal, vengeance, and redemption in her new romantic thriller, THE SILENCER...
No one wants to admit that sometimes only evil can extinguish other evil.
Each time I drain the life from their bodies, I inch closer to purging my past.
Then a by-the-book FBI agent--one as astute as he is handsome--threatens my plans...and what's left of my heart.
He doesn't believe there are exceptions to breaking the law. That's where we differ.
They once silenced me and countless others, but now I've reversed our roles.
Because, this time, it's my turn to be the silencer.
**The Silencer is a dark and gritty romantic suspense that deals with sensitive topics which may not be suitable for all readers.
Download today on Amazon, Apple Books, Google Play, Kobo, Barnes & Noble!
I COULDN'T PUT THIS BOOK DOWN!! Kennedy had been through A LOT in her life and she was on a war path. I hated that things had happened to her but understood her need to fix things. She looked out for the underdog and wanted to help those who didn't have a voice. I was completely drawn in to this book and loved seeing Kennedy's walls come slowly down. Agent Landon Lattimer is so perfect for her! I feel like I can't eloquently say why I love this book, but it gave me the FEELS and held my attention. Do yourself a favor and go grab your copy today!
Meet RC Boldt
RC Boldt enjoys long walks on the beach, running, reading, people watching, and singing karaoke. If you're in the mood for some killer homemade mojitos, can't recall the lyrics to a particular 80's song, or just need to hang around a nonconformist who will do almost anything for a laugh, she's your girl.
From the author of Hell Hath No Fury, RC Boldt melds sizzling romance with this unique tale of intrigue and deceit that will keep readers guessing until the very end...
And I've found myself directly in his crosshairs. He plans to use me to eliminate his number one competitor.
I become embedded in his life where he watches my every move. Then, I find myself doing the unthinkable: I fall for the glimpses of the man beneath the dark, menacing exterior.
I want him. The criminal. The murderer. The lover. The protector. The man who never asked for my heart.
The further I fall, the more ensnared I become in his tangled web of lies, masking the truth beneath.
Because when it comes to the art of deception, nothing is as it seems.
Download today on Amazon, Apple, Google Play, Kobo, Nook!
Such a dang good read!!!! I loooooooove Olivia and Nico 🔥 This couple is an unlikely duo. Until they start to get to know each other... These two have an undeniable connection. They come from very different worlds and shouldn’t make sense, but they do. While their first meeting is unconventional, what happens next took me down a path that I didn’t want to walk away from. Nico is dark while Olivia brings light into his world. I FELT all the emotions of this book. RC Boldt took me on a journey and I never wanted their story to end. Fantastic read and I can’t recommend it enough!
Excerpt
Confusion riddles me. I stare at him for a long beat before finding my words. “My parents died in a plane crash years ago.”
“Your freshman year in college, to be exact.” His features harden. “But they weren’t your real folks.”
Horror ekes past my defenses. “What?”
Deep brown eyes holding a slight tinge of gold assess me. “That’s enough talk for now.
Ain’t got time to waste. Need to get you outta here.”
“As I said before, no, thank you.”
His gaze turns glacial. “You don’t understand—”
“I understand just fine! You’re obviously a criminal.” I gesture between him and where Goliath remains standing. “And I want nothing to do with any of this. I pay my taxes. I return my damn shopping cart at the store while the other assholes leave them in the parking lot. I’m not someone who gets involved with people like you!”
He lets my outburst settle in silence. His lips press into a thin, irritated line before he speaks in a low, deceptively subdued voice. “Can’t tell me that fancy professor brain of yours ain’t dyin’ of curiosity ’bout your folks. That you ain’t eager as fuck to find out if your real dad was murdered.”
I flick my eyes to the gun holstered at his side. “How do I know you’re not lying to me?”
“I always follow through on my end.”
“Right,” I say derisively.
His expression turns ferocious. “You questionin’ my word?”
Bravely, I lift my chin while maintaining eye contact. “I’d be stupid not to.”
He stares at me for a long moment. Wordlessly, he pulls his cell phone from his pocket and scrolls through it. When he stops, his eyes flick up to mine, eerily watchful before he turns the screen of the phone my way.
I suck in a sharp breath at the sight of the woman pictured on the screen, shock ricocheting inside me.
“That’s Johanna Santilla. Your mom.”
Oh, my God. OhmyGod. I’ve heard of that name. Hell, anyone who hasn’t been living under a rock has heard of the Santilla drug cartel. They originated in Cuba and began calling Miami home over sixty years ago.
No photos exist of Johanna Santilla—at least none that have hit the internet. Photos of her father, Carlos Santilla, have surfaced since his death, but they’ve often been grainy and slightly pixelated, like the ones featured on Dateline NBC and other true crime television shows.
As for Johanna, however, once she took over the cartel for her father years ago, it’s as though all photographic traces of her were somehow wiped clean. According to rumors, she decided to keep a low profile when word got out about the FBI poking around in her business.
With criminology being my specialty, stories such as these fuel my brain, making me analyze the psychological reasoning these particular individuals employ. I recall learning that once Nico Alcanzar came into power, taking over for Salvatore Vega, Santilla allegedly grew more secretive. Authorities couldn’t gather enough substantial evidence to pin any murders on her, and she’s remained elusive to them ever since.
My eyes lock on the photo of Johanna Santilla standing beside her father, Carlos. But that’s not what has me struggling to draw oxygen into my lungs.
“She looks…” I’m unable to finish, so stunned.
It’s as though I’m peering into my future. It’s undeniable that we have the same dark hair and facial features.
“That viral video put you on everybody’s radar. One look at you and nobody could deny you weren’t the goddamn spittin’ image of her.” His eyes flick to the phone a second before the screen times out and goes dark. “Luckily, I’m the first to track you down.”
Meet RC Boldt
RC Boldt enjoys long walks on the beach, running, reading, people watching, and singing karaoke. If you're in the mood for some killer homemade mojitos, can't recall the lyrics to a particular 80's song, or just need to hang around a nonconformist who will do almost anything for a laugh, she's your girl.
HOLY COW! THIS BOOOOOOK!!! I was completely mesmerized and spellbound by this journey Caitlin was on. It's dark, it's intense and it's simply amazing. There are bad guys and good guys ... and a sweet pup! I was on the edge of my seat reading this one and I actually was so consumed by it, I read it in one sitting. And that was a mistake because I started it before bed. Needless to say, I didn't get a lot of sleep before work that day. I couldn't set this book down. It was unlike any of RC Bold's previous books and I was HERE. FOR. IT. I felt the emotions of these characters and learned what drove them to do what they did. Caitlin was a fierce warrior and she might have been beaten at one point, but she wasn't down. No siree! She kicked tail and took names. I was cheering her on, even though I was also holding my breath. I wasn't sure how there was going to be a romance out of this book, but it worked SO WELL! If you like a raw, gritty, emotional story then this is one not to be missed!
Excerpt
He’s a creature of habit, and it only makes things easier on my end.
I watch as he makes quick work of the steps leading from the precinct to the curbside where a food truck is parked, clearly raking in the cash if the coming and going of countless employees is any indication.
Detective Warren pays, then stands off to the side as he waits for his lunch order to be called. I study him through the small monocular from where I lie haphazardly sprawled on one of the benches across the street, and my eyes catch sight of a small nick along the left side of his jaw.
Thanks to the last vagrant who claimed this spot, I lie on padded newspapers clad in an oversized dark green poncho, the hood covering my head. With my projected air of defeat and filth, I easily blend in with the others in the vicinity.
Once the detective collects his order, I wait until he heads toward the stairs leading back to the building before I make the call.
Carefully stacking his to-go coffee on top of his Styrofoam takeout container, he withdraws his cell and stares down at the screen for a beat before answering.
“Detective Warren.”
“Hello, Detective. I’ve been meaning to call you.” The free voice-distortion app is doing its job, thankfully.
“Who is this?” He immediately glances around, searching for sight of anyone who stands out.
“Do you know what’s been going on with the Dixie Mafia these days?”
There’s a subtle stiffening of his shoulders. “Who the hell is this?”
“You’ve been working hard, but nothing’s stuck, huh?” It’s a rhetorical question, so I don’t pause for him to answer. “Well, that dirty money that went missing the other night? It found its way to a good cause. The Salvation Army and the Center for Abused and Neglected Children.” My voice hardens. “Those organizations will do that blood money justice.”
Detective Warren shakes his head slowly. “You can’t just go around killing people.” As he gains momentum, his tone grows firmer. “That’s not how things work.”
I glare even though he can’t see me. “That’s how things work now, Detective. When the justice system fails, someone else needs to step in.”
“You can’t—”
“Hey, Detective?” I interrupt suddenly. Because there’s my cue: the wince-inducing screech of the city bus’s brakes as it draws to its scheduled stop in front of the precinct. “Be careful shaving next time. It’d be a shame to nick any more of that handsome face.” The bus blocks my view of the detective as I end the call, then peel off the poncho, and tuck it beneath the thick wad of newspapers before I stride away.
I’m out of sight before the bus drives off.
Meet RC
RC Boldt enjoys long walks on the beach, running, reading, people watching, and singing karaoke. If you're in the mood for some killer homemade mojitos, can't recall the lyrics to a particular 80's song, or just need to hang around a nonconformist who will do almost anything for a laugh, she's your girl.
I might have a multi-million-dollar recording contract, a sold-out world tour, and more money in the bank than I ever imagined, but every time I hit a milestone in my career, my personal life suffers.
Then in steps my new bodyguard, rugged and with a past I connect with. The closer we get, the more powerful my feelings grow, complicating our professional relationship.
I thought Kane would be different. I hoped he’d be the one man to stand by my side, undaunted by the fame and attention that trails me.
The press calls me the “Ice Princess of Pop” because of my unyielding façade throughout heartbreak and betrayal. Perhaps it’s time to show them the real me.
With every syllable, I pour out my emotions and allow them to puddle, forming lyrics from my soul’s breath. And with each word, my broken heart cries out for Kane, begging him to help me break this pattern.
To help me stop being so d*mn good at goodbyes.
A stand-alone, contemporary romance.
My Review
I ADORED this book! I've loved Kane in other books so I was excited to get his story. Simone was perceived one way in the tabloids so when Kane is asked to temporarily step in as her security, he's not looking forward to it. I enjoyed the way RC shows Kane (and the reader) who Simone really is. She's a sweetheart and Kane can't help but start to feel again. They've both lost and had their hearts broken. I liked the slow burn between them and the FEELS this book had! I was completely captured by them and didn't want to leave their world. I can't recommend this book enough!
Facing what’s estimated to be over sixty-seven thousand people with my favorite guitar strapped snug against me, I prepare to sing my final song. Standing up here in front of thousands of fans is second nature. I performed in countless dive bars before breaking onto the scene and securing my first record deal, then moving on to sold-out world tours. Which means I shouldn’t have sweaty palms like a preteen working up the nerve to talk to her crush. My heart shouldn’t be racing like a horse competing in the Kentucky Derby. My stomach shouldn’t churn as though I’ve eaten ceviche from a questionable food truck. Tremors shouldn’t affect my hands like a virgin embarking on their deflowering. None of this should be afflicting me. But it is. Because of him. Because of the current state of my heart. But this is how I deal with heartache. With tragedy. With…life. “This is a little different, and I hope you like it,” I rasp into the mic. Noise from the cheering fans is deafening, and like every time I perform, the surreal quality never quite fades. Tonight marks the first time I’ll share a song I wrote about someone who eviscerated my heart entirely. My other relationships—and subsequent failures—pale in comparison. It’s no secret that love and broken hearts inspire great songwriting. With regard to the latter, it’s never hard to find someone mourning an unrequited love, suffering heartache, or wishing they’d find their own glorified everlasting love. But have you noticed when male musicians write about it, they’re never on the receiving end of the snide, sarcastic comments of, “Oh, poor thing. He’s rich and famous and can’t find love. Boo-freaking-hoo.”? Yet when I write lyrics that are the closest thing to ripping out my heart and putting it on display for the world, I receive the “She’s probably selfish and put her career first” or “She probably cheated, and now she’s regretting it” or “Mm. So sad. The Ice Princess of Pop is heartbroken.” My response? Fuck that noise. I’m writing from my heart and soul, regardless of how damaged they might be at any given time. And as long as my fans continue to support me, I’m going to keep on keepin’ on. “I’d like to dedicate this song to a special person.” I duck my chin, willing myself to maintain composure. “It’s called ‘Embers.’” Once I strum the first note on my guitar, everything around me fades. My voice emerges from the shards scattered within my chest where my working heart once was. When I play that final chord, I see tears streaming down the faces of the fans in the front rows. And yet again, I’m reminded of something all too easily forgotten. That there are others who can relate to lyrics written from my soul’s breath. Because in heartache, we’re never truly alone.
About RC Boldt:
RC Boldt enjoys long walks on the beach, running, reading, people watching, and singing karaoke. If you're in the mood for some killer homemade mojitos, can't recall the lyrics to a particular 80's song, or just need to hang around a nonconformist who will do almost anything for a laugh, she's your girl.
Choose Me, an all-new standalone coming-of-age romance
by RC Boldt.
Wearing the nicest suit I own, I stand in the very back with a flask full of whiskey in my inner pocket. I put on a brave face as I watch her walk down the aisle.
Because it’s too late.
I refuse to be the bastard who makes her cry on her wedding day, but I’m dying to tell her what I’ve always known. She’s my best friend, but she doesn’t realize she owns my f*cking heart and soul, too.
Each step down that aisle takes her farther away from me and brings her closer to him, forcing me to face the truth: I’ve fallen in love with someone who can’t be mine. If she’d just turn around, maybe she’d realize I love her more than he ever could.
I won’t ruin her perfect day, but my broken heart begs me to try and convince her.
This was such a SWEET slow-burn, friends-to-lovers story! Oh man. I was completely wrapped up in the FEELS and adored the friendship between Hollis and Magnolia. Their friendship was fun to watch develop over the years. It was a sweet, realistic one that morphed over time, just as they grew up. Despite Magnolia's elitist mother and father’s opinion on life and who she should be friends with/date, her friendship with Hollis prevailed. As they grew up, so did the friendship. While they had romantic relationships with others, they were their true first loves, even though the relationship hadn’t progressed to that. Yet. I was lost in this story and didn't want to leave it! Be sure to add this book to your TBR list!
Excerpt:
“Hollis?” I startle at the male voice calling my name. When I turn, I find a guy about my height wearing a button-down shirt beneath a sport coat and a pair of pressed slacks. He regards me with a mixture of surprise and recognition while I have no idea who the hell he is. He steps closer with a smile. “Sorry to catch you off guard,” he apologizes and holds out his hand to me. “Grant Stevenson.” I shake his hand warily. “Hollis Barnes.” I pause before adding, “But somehow, you already knew that.” He grins, and if I’m being completely honest, I don’t detect any douchebag vibes. “I recognized you from one of the photos Magnolia has in her room of the two of you.” It takes all my control to suppress the jolt that zigzags through me at his words. She still keeps a photo of us? His eyes crinkle at the corners, and he lifts his chin to gesture to me. “Although I have to be honest, the ink and beard initially threw me off.” A surprised laugh escapes me, and I slide my hands into my pockets. Grant steps closer and glances around before lowering his voice. “I’m actually glad you’re here. I know you and Magnolia haven’t seen one another in a while, but you’re her oldest friend…” Oldest friend. Not best friend. I don’t miss the phrasing. Although I don’t feel it’s intentional, it cuts deep just the same. “I’m nervous as hell, and I’m hopin’ you can tell me if she’d like this.” It takes me a moment to realize what he’s pulled out of his pocket. A velvet ring box and a packet of Pop Rocks. Fuck, fuck, fuck. I resist the urge to rub at the center of my chest, where searing pain radiates. He flicks open the box to reveal a ring with a large diamond that’s fancy as hell. Something Mrs. Barton would love and deem appropriate. But Magnolia? Hell no. “Her mom helped me pick it out.” Exactly. “And I know she loves Pop Rocks since she always has a pack.” Not the strawberry flavor. But he’s trying. I can see the nervousness in his expression. The hope. The excitement. I can’t crush this guy. He’s exactly what her parents have always wanted for her. The kind of guy who doesn’t get his hands dirty. The one with money and connections. The one who can give her the future her parents expect her to have. The one who won’t come home with rough hands, callused to hell and back from working on a project that’s for a high-end client or due to be auctioned off to a car collector with more money than they know what to do with. The man who wears button-downs like they’re second skin. Designer clothes. So caught up in my thoughts, I don’t immediately realize that he’s pocketed the items and is gazing in another direction. When I turn and follow his focus, catching sight of her weaving through the crowd, I take advantage of the moment and let my eyes drink her in. She’s…so goddamn beautiful. Her long blond hair spills down her back, and even beneath the shapeless graduation gown, her sleek, tanned legs peek out from the bottom hem, her heels accentuating her toned calf muscles. When she catches sight of Grant, her entire face lights up, and…goddammit. I can’t do this. This was a fucking mistake. It’s like someone’s performing open heart surgery and just cracked my chest open without anesthesia.
About RC Boldt:
RC Boldt enjoys long walks on the beach, running, reading, people watching, and singing karaoke. If you're in the mood for some killer homemade mojitos, can't recall the lyrics to a particular 80's song, or just need to hang around a nonconformist who will do almost anything for a laugh, she's your girl.
With A Hitch, an all-new standalone contemporary romance by RC Boldt.
She’s playing it safe. He’s playing for keeps.
DARCY
Growing up in the foster system, I learned the hard way that lasting love doesn't always come easy. Dating in the modern era can be daunting; the bar scene and dating apps leave you wondering if there's any hope in sight.
That's where I come in. Helping you break the “swipe-right” cycle, I’m dedicated to matching you with the love of your life.
Finding Mrs. Right for Dax Kendrick should be a piece of cake. Except nothing about this man is simple.
DAX
The NFL has given me more than I ever imagined—a roof over my head, food on the table, and a chance to provide for the family who sacrificed everything while I chased my dreams.
Maintaining a squeaky-clean image for my sponsors when my paycheck and the fruits of my endorsements are all the women want is a hefty challenge.
I’d nearly given up when I hired Darcy Cole. Yet the more I’m around her, the less I care about finding my perfect match.
I so enjoyed this book! I loved the slow burn and the progression of Dax and Darcy's relationship. I loved the fact they had time to really get to know each other with no pressure. GAH! RC gave me ALL THE FEELS and I couldn't devour this book fast enough! Dax and Darcy seem to have a past no one is privy to and I enjoyed the way the story moves from the present and the past. I fell for Darcy doesn't have much of a chance against Dax. He's the sweetest man on the planet and she's one lucky lady! Don't take my word for it, dive into this amazing read and find out for yourself. Just be sure not to miss this book!
Excerpt:
DAX
* * *
“Where’s my favorite girl?” I call out, entering my childhood home. “I’m here, Uncle Dax!” my niece, Violet, hollers through the house just before her quick footsteps follow. My parents refused to let me buy them a new house once I started putting money in the bank. Mom didn’t want the neighbors to think she and Dad thought they were better than anyone else. This means my parents, my sister, and niece, all still live in the fifteen-hundred-square-feet home I grew up in. I did pay off their mortgage as well as my sister’s student loans before I set up a college fund for my niece, much to their dismay. But let’s be honest, it’s the least I could do for a family who’s always been there for me. Dad refused to retire from the hardware store, but I at least got him to agree to go from full-time to part-time a few years ago. It took some aggressive bargaining, but when I’d shown him how well the account I’d started for them with my financial planner had been doing, he’d finally relented. “Hey! I thought I was your favorite girl!” another female voice protests. “Well, I don’t know,” I hedge. “Depends on if you made any chocolate chip cookies.” My mother promptly swats at me with a laugh, the little crinkles at the corners of her eyes becoming more pronounced. The guys always say I resemble my mom, and even though I know they say it in more of a shit talking, you look like your mama kind of way, it’s still true. She and I have the same smile, and although her skin is darker than mine—my dad’s the odd man out in the family with fair white skin—there’s no mistaking me for being her son. I pull her close for a hug, and she pats my back, mumbling, “I swear, you just keep getting more muscles every time I see you.” The top of her head barely reaches my shoulder, and her dark hair seems like it has more gray threaded in it each time I see her. “Don’t give him a bigger head than he already has.” My eyes catch sight of Violet and my sister, Ava, entering the small kitchen. Mom releases me, and Violet rushes past her mother intent on getting to me first. I bend and scoop her up in a big hug. “Uncle Dax, I missed you.” Her whispered words wrap themselves around me. “I missed you, too, love bug.” God, I swear, she’s growing like a damn weed lately. Once I set her on her feet, she starts talking a mile a minute. “Oh my gosh, Uncle Dax! You’re not going to believe what happened the other day in gymnastics camp. That girl I told you about—the one who was saying my hair was weird and stuff—well, I finally had enough, and I did what you told me to do.” All eyes are suddenly on me. Trust me when I say this is not what a man wants in this household because it normally means I’m in deep shit. “Uh, remind me again what I told you?” I say slowly, praying to God above that I hadn’t made some idiotic, off-the-cuff comment as a joke, and she took me seriously. Violet gives me one of those old people are so forgetful looks. “You said I could use sarcasm because most people who are mean and rude don’t understand it, and it’ll go over their head and be a beautiful inside joke for you and everyone else who doesn’t have shit for brains.” “Violet,” my mother and Ava say in unison, flashing me a stern look. Violet grimaces. “Sorry. But I was quoting him.” Then she picks right up. “And then you said I should let it roll off my shoulders like it doesn’t bother me.” She grins happily. “Well, I did a combination of the two. And she’s totally left me alone ever since.” My niece pumps a fist in the air. “Go Team Kendrick!” “Way to go!” We exchange a high five. Sobering, I school my face in a stern expression. “Remember not to cuss, though. It’s not ladylike.” Her sweet face peers up at me, so adorably cute with such seriousness that it takes all my effort to not break into a smile. “How about ‘crap’?” “Uh…” I flick my eyes to Ava, who makes a face before shrugging. “I think that one can be okay, as long as it’s not overused.” Violet nods. “Noted.” God, this kid is such an old soul sometimes. “I’m going to practice my backflips for gymnastics some more out back.” In a flash, she’s gone. I sag against the counter. “Man, two minutes, and I’m exhausted.” My sister sidles up beside me and snickers. “As if Mr. Gatorade himself ever gets exhausted.” I toss her a sharp look. “Seriously? One advertising campaign for a sports drink, and you’re giving me sh—” “Ahem!” our mother clears her throat pointedly. “Crap.” Mom nods in approval, and I continue. “About it?” I place a palm flat against the center of my chest, feigning sadness. “Where’s the love?” She shoves at me playfully. “You get enough love from all your admirers.” Mom huffs. “You need to settle down with a nice woman.” “Speaking of a nice woman…” I press my lips thin, trying to figure out how to best tell them I decided to use a matchmaking service, but decide to throw caution to the wind. “I hired a professional,” I blurt out. As if in slow motion, my mother turns around slowly from where she’s stirring something on the stove. My sister’s jaw goes slack. And they both gape at me. Just the reaction a guy wants. My mother’s expression is horrified. Not quite what I was expecting, but then again, she’s always been a spitfire. “Dax Allen Kendrick! I forbid it!” I rear back, confused as hell. “Why would you forbid it?” Her jaw drops, and she gasps indignantly. “Why would I forbid it?!” She turns to my sister, her voice increasing in volume. “Why would I forbid it?!” “Say it again, Mom. Not sure we heard you the first time,” my sister deadpans. If my mother didn’t have a freaking wooden spoon in her hand, I’d let out the laugh aching to break free. I got to know that sucker really well through my early years, and even though I’m older, I don’t put it past my mother to come at me with that thing. Speaking of which, my right ass cheek starts to throb in remembrance at the mere sight of that spoon. I hold up my hands. “Calm down, Mom.” Shit. I didn’t expect this reaction. “Look, she’s great at what she does and—” The hand holding the wooden spoon rises another inch, and I flinch in response. “Don’t you tell me what she’s great at, young man!” I look at my sister, silently pleading for help. She merely shrugs, wide-eyed, with an I don’t pretend to understand her look. Great. I’m left to fend for myself once again. “Can you just put that thing”—I gesture to the spoon in her hand—“down, so I can explain?” My mother’s lips purse like she’s just bit into the sourest of lemons. Her eyes practically spew fire at me. “Fine.” Her tone is curt. “But you’re not too old to get swatted with it, young man,” she warns with a pointed look. My hands fly to my ass protectively, and my sister snorts. I glare at her, and she simply sticks her tongue out at me in response. Some things never change. “Okay, so Ivy, Becket’s wife—” My mother’s expression instantly softens. “Such a sweet girl, that one.” Then with a stern look, she adds, “You need to find someone like that.” I draw in a deep breath, praying for patience. “Ivy’s business partner, Darcy, runs a matchmaking service and—” At the odd expression on my mother’s face, I stop. “What’s that look for?” “Oh, honey.” She lets out a long sigh before spinning around to tend to the saucepan on the stove. I stare at my sister expectantly. Her lips twitch as though she’s attempting to restrain a smile. I wave her on. “Say it.” She snickers. “Mom thought when you said ‘professional,’ you meant prostitute.” I whip around to stare at my mother. “Are you serious?!” What the hell? “You really think I’d hire a freaking prostitute?” “Apparently so,” my sister chimes in with a smirk. I toss up my hands in exasperation. “I can’t believe you think I’d resort to that.” “Well,” my sister starts, “you have been single for a while.” “That doesn’t mean I’d hire a prostitute for fu—” Mom’s head whips around in warning, and I correct myself quickly. “For God’s sake.” “What’s a prostitute?” Fucking hell. Violet’s just come back inside. “Nothing.” That’s my mother’s response. “A person who makes bad choices.” My sister’s no-nonsense response. “A woman who sells—” This time, I really do get swatted with the wooden spoon. As if it doesn’t sting enough against my bare forearm, I now have a line of pasta sauce on it too. I grin and make a show of licking the sauce off my skin. Mom hates that. She raises the spoon threateningly, and I hold up my hands in surrender. “I just want to be loved. What’s a guy have to do to get some love these days?” “Pretty sure you already know what you have to do to get some love,” my sister mutters under her breath. I jab an index finger in her direction and give her a sharp look. “Watch it, or I’ll tell Mom who broke that angel statue she brought home from a garage sale.” Ava’s expression morphs into astonishment. “You swore you’d never bring that up!” Her lips curve suddenly in a devious smile. “As long as I never tell Mom what happened to that pair of booty shorts she got you for twenty-five cents.” “What shorts?” my mother asks. I stare at her in complete disbelief. “Seriously? You’re more worried about the hideous shorts that put my junk on display than the statue she broke?” My mother sputters. “But you said you loved those shorts!” I glance up at the ceiling, hoping for divine intervention, which, of course, never comes. “Mom,” I say with exaggerated patience. “The shorts were cut so high I would’ve had to wax.” “Well, you could’ve said so,” she huffs, turning back to the stove. “They were a great deal.” “I’m sure they were a steal for a quarter.” My sister snickers at my sarcastic response, and we burst out laughing. Our mom’s been a fan of garage sales for as far back as we can remember. Sometimes she brings home some decent stuff, but more often than not, it ends up being some hideous “treasure.” Hence the shorts. “You two are gonna get it!” Mom warns, raising that infamous wooden spoon once more. Man, it’s good to be home.
About RC Boldt
RC Boldt enjoys long walks on the beach, running, reading, people watching, and singing karaoke. If you're in the mood for some killer homemade mojitos, can't recall the lyrics to a particular 80's song, or just need to hang around a nonconformist who will do almost anything for a laugh, she's your girl.
