Pavey
Boulevard
Island
Series Book 1
by
Rie Anders
Genre:
Contemporary Romance
When
Shaye dropped out of college mid-semester, and moved to Lopez Island
for the summer, she’d hoped to figure out what she wanted to do
with the rest of her life. Instead, she reconnects with childhood
friends Jason and Nick, and good intentions spiral into harrowing
confrontations. The summer ends in tragedy and Shaye flees the
Island, haunted by her mistakes.
Eight
years later, Shaye is forced to return to the place she’d hoped
never to see again. Now, she must face the people, and the pain she
left behind. She must confront the person she was, and decide who she
will become. Can Shaye forgive herself enough to let the past go, and
let love in?
On
Island
Island
Series Book 2
Growing
up on Island the sister of Nick and Jason Reid was not easy when it
came to dating. All the guys looked at her as a sister and the
island's darling daughter. Evie runs the bakery and when her brother
hires Attorney, Ethan Archer, to run the Island office, she thinks he
is going to be just another friend.
Ethan
is a cowboy at heart and a gentleman. Not wanting to ruin his career
and his friendship with his boss, he steers clear of a romantic
attachment to Evie. But their friendship grows until one night they
cross the line and change their friendship forever. As their
relationship begins to grow the past comes back to haunt Ethan and
could destroy another relationship for Evie.
"This
book is so incredibly moving, and quite honestly, there are parts
that are just laugh out loud, righteously hilarious. Evie Reid is
kind, and good, and loving, and Ethan has to be the sexiest man
alive. Not only is this a beautiful story of love and family, but
holy smokes, Ethan and Evie are so sexy." - Chelsey S.
"Can
I please just move in next door to these people? In this second book,
Anders builds on the relationships of all the characters from her
first novel, and introduces us to some incredible new additions to
the story. Her ability to weave them in, and make you fall in love
with them, is extraordinary. Find a couple of hours to yourself,
because you wont be able to put it down." Lisa L.
Hunters
Moon
Island
Series Book 3
From a young age,
Julie Hunter had her whole life planned. She would inherit her
parents' vineyard and live happily ever with her childhood
sweetheart, her first and forever love. When he dies, however, her
dreams die with him. She retreats within herself, burying her wounds
under a facade of hedonism and debauchery.
Over the years, her
friends have come to accept her sometimes crass behavior. But as
Julie matures, she tires of the act. When she inherits the vineyard,
she decides to chase her dreams on her own and develop the property
into a world class resort.
Enter Dax Bentley, a
prominent Seattle investor. She finds herself drawn to his sleek,
polished demeanor. But her construction manager, Riley Johnson,
challenges her motives. He forces her to examine her feelings, and
her true self.
Julie, Riley, and
Dax find themselves grappling with a history of lost loves and past
resentments. With the future of her resort at stake, Julie must learn
that sometimes you have to let go of that which is most precious to
get what your heart desires.
Pavey Boulevard
#1
“C’mon, let’s go back downstairs. I want to dance.” Evie grabbed my hand and dragged me down the steps and back into the bar. She signaled Jason for another round and we headed to the dance floor.
We danced and drank and danced some more. Later, when I reflect back on that night, I think I knew then that my world would change monumentally. All the events of my life had been so simple, so predictable. This summer had been a shift in my, and my parents, best laid plans, and I felt like I was going off-script.
I could see heads turning and heard, “Welcome home,” and, “How are you doing?” The air around me thickened, and the hair on the back of my neck stood on end. Somehow, I knew Nick had arrived, and my reaction to his presence was visceral. I hadn’t even seen him, and yet I knew something intense was about to happen.
When I finally turned and saw him for the first time, my chest constricted and I couldn’t get a breath. Something in me shifted, and it was almost as if it was pre-ordained that my life would never be the same. Even if I had known the outcome of that summer, I couldn’t say for certain I was mature enough to have made different decisions.
Staring at him, I tried to process my sudden, overwhelming emotions. Feeling like a weight just landed on me, I put my hand to my collar bone and took a deep breath. This was insane. He was beautiful. He looked like Jason, but taller, sexier and more masculine.
His faded jeans, gray T-shirt, and Eddie Bauer vest gave him that “Seattle look,” and he would have been clean shaven if it wasn’t almost midnight. I couldn’t look away from his face, with his short, blond-tipped hair and kissable mouth—I was simply mesmerized.
His face was perfectly symmetrical, with a straight nose and a mischievous grin. His teeth were perfectly straight and white, and I noticed a dimple in his cheek. Everything about him was calm and strong. He appeared confident, but not arrogant.
If I hadn’t already known he was studying law, I would have taken him for just another pretty, island summer boy. Guys were slapping him on the back, and the girls were working their way towards him, like moths to a flame. His eyes were sensuous and carnal, and he was looking at the girls as if they amused him. I could understand why they were hovering around him, waiting their turn for a hug and a greeting.
#2
The sun had set, and the air had grown cold. There were about twenty boats moored in the bay, and their lights were twinkling off the water. Over the water, I could hear laughter and music coming from the boats.
I sat on a piece of driftwood, took off my shoes, and buried my toes in the sand. The waves lapped at the shore about fifteen feet in front of me, and I enjoyed the ambient sounds of the night. I sat quietly, staring at my toes in the sand for a few minutes, and listening to the water and the laughter floating across it.
Then I heard, “Can I join you?”
I didn’t need to look up to know Nick was standing behind me. His voice was soft and tentative.
I turned my head and said, “Of course.”
He had also put on a fleece jacket and a beanie cap, and looked entirely too huggable. He was wearing khaki pants and Keen sandals. He sat down next to me, took his sandals off, and buried his toes in the sand next to mine.
I put my hands on my knees and rested my chin on the backs of them. I looked at our feet and tilted my head a little so that I could see him. “It feels good doesn’t it? It’s so cold just a few inches down.”
The night and stars surrounded us, and the moment felt intimate. It felt like it was just the two of us here together, and I was resentful that I would eventually have to go back to the camp.
Reaching out, he put his right arm around me and pulled me to him. It felt strange to allow him to be so familiar, but it also felt right. I rested my cheek on his chest and closed my eyes. He felt so good and warm, and I wanted to stay there forever. It didn’t even occur to me that this was wrong.
“Jason seems to be having a good time.” He spoke, completely ruining the mood.
I sighed heavily and pulled out of his arms. I said, “Yeah, I guess so.” Our bubble had already deflated, so I continued, “Jackie does too.”
He laughed, and said, “Yeah, no, not so much now. She is going to be hurting tomorrow.”
We sat in silence for a few minutes, staring out at the bay. Each of us in our own thoughts, but our bodies close enough to touch.
“What’s your story, summer girl?” His voice was quiet, and the tone was lazy. It sounded to me like he would have leaned back, if he could have without falling off the log.
ON ISLAND
#1
I was lounging on a couch with my back to the front door, and Julie and Shaye were across from me. “I think Ethan owes us dinner for all of this work we did today,” I announced as I dangled a diet Coke from my hand. I had one leg thrown over the arm of the couch.
“I’m sure he wouldn’t be opposed to that,” Shaye said. “I could go for a burger from the pub.”
“UGH! A burger after a pizza lunch? Gross!” Julie protested. “I need a salad. Maybe we can get him to take us to the Bay Café.”
I had closed my eyes, and spoke without opening them. “I don’t feel like getting cleaned up to go to dinner. I’m with Shaye.”
“Maybe Ethan likes a dirty girl,” Julie said archly.
“Oh, please, Julie, if I remember correctly, you didn’t even give him a second look.” I opened my eyes and saw the glint in hers.
“I wasn’t talking about me.”
“He works for my brother, Julie. It would be inappropriate. From what I remember, he was a very nice guy.” I had more heat in my voice than I intended, and Julie, sensing weakness, continued goading me.
“And from what I remember, he was a hunky, yummy man. You should totally try and climb that.”
Julie was starting to piss me off; I was tired of her innuendoes.
Doing my best to shock her, I said, “Oh, yes, I should totally climb that. I might sneak over one night and seduce him. Maybe I’ll put on a tiny black lace thong and a push-up bra, climb in bed with him, and whisper, ‘Ethan, you big hunk of a love-man, I’m gonna ride you like a quarter horse, and fuck you ‘til you can’t see straight.’ Then I’ll wait until he nods off, and do it all over again. Is that what you would do, Julie? Is that how it’s done?”
Both Shaye and Julie sat speechless on the couch in front of me.
“You could start with that, but at least let me take you to dinner first,” Ethan said.
I jumped up off the couch and almost spilled my soda all over me. Shaye and Julie both snickered behind me.
Shaye spoke first. “Hey, Ethan. You made it.” She was smiling at him.
#2
Nick and Ethan were making their way to the wine bar that had been set up in the corner for the adults. Nick shook hands with everyone, and I watched as he introduced Ethan to more of the Islanders.
Taking my time to look at Ethan, I stared unabashedly at him for the first time and realized he was incredibly sexy. He didn’t look like a lawyer, and I wondered more about what his story was.
He was broad, and his thighs were thick, most likely requiring tailor-made pants. Where Nick moved with purpose, Ethan seemed to take his time, as if the world would wait for him to catch up. He made eye contact with everyone he met, and his grin was charming and warm. I felt myself melting a little.
“What are you looking at?”
“Shit! Shaye! Don’t sneak up on me like that.” My hand flew to my chest, and I whipped around to find her smiling at me, and dragging JT (with his bag of candy), along beside her.
“C’mon, I need a glass of wine.” She kept marching past me.
I followed behind her. “You shouldn’t be drinking.”
“Well then, you can drink for me.”
We approached Nick and Ethan at the outdoor bar, and Shaye went directly to Nick. Squaring my shoulders, I waited for Nick to make some snarky remark. When he didn’t, I relaxed a little, pulled myself up onto a barstool and crossed my legs. Provocative was not in my nature, but the dress gave me confidence. I felt bold. Ethan looked at me, and I smiled.
Turning to the bartender, I ordered a glass of white wine, and could practically feel Ethan’s eyes on my legs. I glanced back at him, and caught his eye as it was skimming back up from my chest to my face.
“How was your day, Ethan?” I said seductively, and put my left hand on my right knee, not even trying to cover myself, as I took a sip of my wine.
He stepped closer to me, looking dangerous. I felt my breath hitch, and I held it. He stood inches from me, watching my chest as I inhaled. A fleeting thought came to me that I was out of my league here—I hadn’t bargained on him playing my game.
He leaned in to me and said quietly, “It was a long, hard, rough day, Evie.”
Each of those words were said painfully slowly. I looked away from him and took a long slug of my drink. Feeling a sense of panic, I put my wine down and glanced around for someone to save me from the deep end I had just jumped into.
No one was around to help me with this conversation, so I took the fabric of my dress and covered my legs. I looked up into Ethan’s face and saw he was laughing at me.
“Nice dress, Evie. If you’re going to wear something like that, you need to be able to play the game.” I jerked my head back, and he turned back to the bartender. “Eric, I think Evie needs another glass of wine.”
“That was mean. You’re supposed to be the nice one. Leave the sarcasm to my brother.”
He looked at me softly. “You look beautiful Evie,” he paused, “and naughty.”
“Whatever.” I tried to sound as flippant as I could. I didn’t want him to know how much he’d affected me.
HUNTER’S MOON
#1
I turned to run up the dock as best I could in my wedges, trying to catch Riley before he made it to us.
Fortunately, Shaye had already stepped up into the plane, so I avoided a scene in front of her. Riley had a backpack over his shoulder, and a scowl on his face.
“Riley, I am so sorry.”
He was pissed. “I know you had a really important breakfast with your investor this morning, but at least answer your fucking phone.”
“I felt bad because I was already late. I thought it would be rude to interrupt our conversation.”
Hitching his backpack higher up on his shoulder, he glared at me. He ran his eyes down my body, resting on my feet and my blue painted toes.
When he brought his eyes back to mine, he said, “It was rude to take my truck and leave me stranded.”
His voice had softened, and I felt my insides warm. “I…I didn’t know you were going anywhere.”
“I need to go to Friday Harbor. I was going to drive, but now I’ll take my boat. I’ll be back in a few days and I’ll fix your truck then. You can use mine.”
Turning away from me, he continued his trek down the dock to his boat. My heels made it difficult to keep up with his long stride, so I waited until we reached his boat to continue the conversation.
“When are you coming back?”
He stepped into a forty-foot fishing boat and answered, “In a few days. My sister needs me to help her with the customer. They changed the scope of the project but not the budget. I think they thought that since we left her in charge, they could bulldoze her and take advantage. I just need to give her some support.”
Riley’s boat was so beautiful I found myself stepping in after him. It swayed and I grabbed his arm for support.
He laughed. “Are you coming with me?”
“This boat is gorgeous. What is it?”
He paused, as if he was gauging my motives, and then he said, “It’s a Scout 420.”
I wandered along the sides of the deck, admiring the caramel, faux leather seats.
“Does it have a cabin?”
He tilted his head to an entry way. I stepped carefully down into a cozy galley, with a sleeping berth and small dining area.
Following me down, he ducked his head and scooted past me to toss his backpack on the bed. It was difficult to maneuver around him, and I regretted my decision to step in.
Riley took a seat at the tiny table, his legs stretched out in front of him, watching me with amusement, and I had to step around him to leave.
He reached out a hand to steady me, and I inhaled sharply at the feel of his palm on my leg.
“I…I should get going.”
His voice was husky when he spoke. “You could come with me if you want. The lumber won’t be delivered until later this week. Not much is going to happen on site.”
He hadn’t shaved and I briefly imagined him kissing my inner thighs, the soft hairs tickling me. His eyes sparkled with humor, as if he knew what he was doing to me.
Abruptly, I pushed his leg to the side. “I really need to get back. Thank you for letting me use your truck. I’ll make sure I put gas in it. And text me when you get back, I’ll come get you.”
I’d scrambled to the boat deck and then out onto the dock before he reappeared from the cabin.
He shouted after me, “Don’t crash it Juliette!”
I gave him my middle finger.
#2
I missed Riley. I shouldn’t, but I did. His quirky tooth that was so sexy when he grinned sideways, his too-long hair that he hadn’t cut since Evie’s wedding, his seriously sexy long legs that I loved to watch when the fabric of his jeans would stretch over his thighs.
Scrolling through my contacts, I texted him, I miss you
I covered my mouth, shocked I’d actually sent it.
I watched as the phone indicated he’d read the text, and then the dots started bouncing. I think you have the wrong person
My smile dropped and I quickly went back through all the texts between us. The shit-head. It was him.
My apologies, I was fantasizing about a hot construction worker…must have typed the wrong number.
Julie?
Who’s this?
You’re a brat
I texted back a bunch of laughing emojis.
He responded I thought the text was for Dax
My heart felt like it had been stabbed. I hated that Dax was coming between us, even as friends. It was hard not to imagine that Riley had left because of him.
Still, I couldn’t help but tease him. Me and Gary had a nice night tonight. I put him to work. He really knows how to swing a hammer.
Poor Gary…I hope his wife doesn’t mind the boot marks from you walking all over him.
I giggled as I typed. I found this stimulating sex site on the internet…it gave me some interesting ideas
He didn’t respond for a few minutes. I was just starting to think I might have gone too far when he responded. Maybe you should send the link to Dax; he looks like he has a lot to learn
His response made me laugh out loud. I think I might.
I was just getting ready to put my phone down when his text came through What are you wearing?
So bold! I could hear his voice in my head Wouldn’t you like to know?
My phone rang, startling me. He was face-timing me.
I rolled to my side and answered, “Why are you calling me?”
“I wanted to know what you were wearing.” He said huskily, laughing at the same time.
The image behind him was dark. I saw light reflecting on water, and the wind blowing his hair around.
“Where are you?”
“I’m down on the waterfront. Out with some friends.”
“Why did you leave this week?”
I watched as he looked over the top of the phone and mouthed “Two minutes.” Then he turned his attention back to me. “Did you miss me?”
“I missed someone managing my project, instead of being a pussy and running off, all butt-hurt, at a small argument.”
He laughed boldly. “Language, Juliette.”
“Whatever.”
“Are you thinking about me?”
This was so dangerous. “Yes.”
He continued when I didn’t say anymore. “I’m thinking about you too.”
We were both silent for a moment.
Then I whispered, “I really do miss you.”
His low chuckle wrapped around me like a blanket. “Goodnight, Juliette.”
In my half-asleep state, I whispered back. “Goodnight Riley.”
Can you, for those who don't
know you already, tell something about yourself and how you became an author?
My first memory of wanting to
be a writer was when I was eight years old. My parents had purchased a computer
for me, and I set up a little “office”in the dining room where I could work. I
proceeded to type out a short story about a rabbit and other forest creatures,
convinced I was going to be the next Beatrix Potter. I was always very
creative. I was involved in my high school theatre group and always journaled.
A few years ago, I made a vision board with my daughter at the start of the new
year. I made a mock-up of the cover for ‘Pavey Boulevard’ and put it on the
board. Months went by and I hadn’t even started the outline. Then, in
September, I received news that a dear friend of mine had died. It shook me and
I thought, “This is it. The time is now. Not tomorrow, not next year, right
now.” And the rest is now history…
What is something unique/quirky about you?
My daughter said it’s that we say, and think, the same
things at the same time. I think we are just completely in tune with each
other.
Tell us something really interesting that's happened to
you!
Like the character, Shaye, in Pavey Boulevard, I too
dropped out of college for a year. It was in April of my Sophomore year and I
decided I was going to Alaska to work on a fishing boat. I spent a year in the
middle of the Bering Sea off a small island in the Aleutian Chain. Will you
hear some of the stories in a book? Yep.
What are some of your pet peeves?
I try really, REALLY, hard not to eat too much sugar. But
when I do, I want the ENTIRE (insert word here: candy bar, pint of ice cream,
cake, brownie, donut, etc.) to myself. If you take a bite, I have to start over
with a new one. That’s kind of sad, isn’t it? LOL! 😊
Where were you born/grew up at?
I grew up in the Pacific Northwest, in a small city across
the lake from Seattle. My summers were spent in the San Juan Islands and it is
that backdrop that I found so appealing for the Island Series Trilogy.
What are you passionate about these days?
Cross-fit, writing, and being a driver for my teenage
daughter. My daughter is a freshman in high school, a figure skater, and on the
dance team so I am always on one side of town or the other. My time with her is
so short, and our “windshield conversations” are always so intimate and
enlightening. Not to mention, filled with laughter.
What do you do to unwind and relax?
I have such a hard time turning my brain off. But when I
do, I completely disengage. I will watch TV. Binge it, really. I love to find a
series and just watch it all day long. Sometimes, I will go to Lopez and hide
away for a few days. I don’t sleep much because my brain is always going. My
husband jokes that he can hear it.
How to find time to write as a parent?
Two words: Time Management. I’ll go off the deep end here
and tell you that I recently did a time study for a week and counted how I
spent my time (I used to be in Finance so I think very analytically). The first
thing I will share with you is that I have more time than I think I do.
Secondly, I spend a lot of time in a car and I don’t like that very much. So, I
use a recorder and carry a notebook with me to capture scenes or ideas. I also
get up early, before anyone else, so I can walk the dog, drink my coffee and
plan my day. I keep a journal and a calendar and I am very protective of my
time.
Describe yourself in 5 words or less!
Sporty, Kind, Ambitious, Creative, and Fun.
And…Gregarious, Fun-loving, Driven and Outgoing. My husband added the last
four. My daughter added Awesome, which is, quite frankly, awesome.
Do you have a favorite movie?
I love ‘The Thomas
Crown Affair’. I also love ‘Pride & Prejudice’ and more recently ‘The
Spirit of Christmas’
Which of your novels can you imagine made into a movie?
Hands down, Dear Santa, Define Good. I’ve always thought
this would make a great Hallmark movie, but I’ve recently changed my mind. It
belongs on NETFLIX. There are a few curse words, yummy kissing and on-page sex,
and I’m not sure I’m willing to tone it down. It’s just too good. The location
of DSDG is Jackson, Wyoming and as one reviewer writes, “Symbolism in
the book is of an indoor, outdoor, flora, fauna type.” The main
character, Mia Brooks, is sexy, and strong, and yet feminine, and has never
really gotten over her first love. The story is rich with adventure, drama,
love, tension, and family, with a twist that will grab you and have you shaking
your head wondering how you could have missed it. Mia is a world champion
snowmobile racer and I’m quite certain that plot line has never been scripted
into a screenplay. Does anyone know someone that works at NETFLIX?
Rie
grew up in the Pacific Northwest and spent her summers as a child in
the San Juan Islands.
"Pavey
Boulevard", released in 2018, is the story of Shaye Richards &
Nick Reid, and is the first in the Island Series. The second in the
series, "On Island", released in May, 2019, continues the
saga with Evie Reid, the sister of Nick, and her love story with
Ethan Archer.
Rie
currently lives in Texas with her family and returns home to the
Pacific Northwest as often as she can.
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