The Purple Heart

by Christie A.C. Gucker

Contemporary Paranormal Romantic Suspense

Categories: Inspirational, Military, Mystery/Thriller

Publisher: Pagan Writers Press

Release Date: February 22, 2013

Heat Level: Sizzling

Word Count/Length: 52,000 words/164 pages

 

Available at:

Amazon | ARe | B&N | Smashwords

Prize is a signed print copy of “The Purple Heart” and a
signed bookmark from Christie A.C. Gucker. Contest is tour-wide and ends
July 21. Must be 18 years of age or older to enter.

http://www.cblspromotions.com/2013/06/booktour-purple-heart-by-christie-ac.html

 

Description:

When does hiding the truth become an outright lie?

As an Army psychologist, Sydney Porter has heard her share of horror
stories. The battle-scarred, down-trodden, and guilt-ridden have come to her
office, seeking her help. When a highly decorated soldier is referred to her,
she feels confident she can help heal his wounds. The chemistry between herself
and Sergeant Aiden Thane is instantaneous. Sparks ignite and against her
friend’s advice, she opens both her home and her heart.

Torn between a voice of reason and her undeniable feelings, Sydney
begins to question just what is hiding behind her lover’s decorated uniform.
What secrets are hidden behind his Purple Heart.

And does she really want to know?

Warning: This title is intended for readers over the age of 18 as it
contains explicit sex scenes and/or situations (including multiple partners)
and adult language, and may be considered offensive to some readers.

Dedication:

This book is dedicated to every man and woman who has served as a
soldier to defend freedom for all. You are heroes. It is also dedicated to the
families of those soldiers who give up their fathers, mothers, husbands, wives,
brothers, sisters and friends so that we can have those freedoms. Your
sacrifices do not go unnoticed. Thank you all.

Special dedication to the soldiers in my family, My father, John P.
Choida, grandfather Stephen P. Gaida, brother-in-law in-Darren Dreher, my
father-in-law Donald Gucker and my grand uncles who have served or continue to
do so for our country.

I want to give a special shout out to Battling BARE for all their hard
work to help soldiers and their families recover from PTSD! They have a special
place in this book!

 

 

EXCERPT:

I set off downstairs to quickly set the table, and then was off to the
kitchen to begin making dinner.

I started out making the salad, washing the greens and various vegetables.
He was suddenly beside me, like he had just materialized there. Startled, I
jumped and had to catch my breath. This seemed to make him chuckle.

He was out of his uniform, and dressed comfortably in gray sweatpants
and a black t-shirt. He looked amazing even when he was dressed down. I could
see his build underneath the thin material of his shirt, and the sweats were
hanging just perfectly to make my mind wander.

“I hope I didn’t scare you. I’m sure you’re not used to someone sneaking
up behind you around here. Can I help?”

“No worries. I’m pretty skittish sometimes. And no, you’re a guest. I
wouldn’t ask you to help. Just sit back and relax. I’ve got it under control.”
I continued with my dinner prepping. He reached out and put his hand on my forearm.

“Please, let me help you. You’re letting me stay with you, so the least
I can do is pitch in. I can wield a mean broom,” he offered. His voice was so
calm and relaxing. It was like listening to an angel.

“How are you with knives?” I asked, hoping for him to take over the task
of salad duty, so I could start preparing sauce for the spaghetti. I hated
chopping vegetables.

“I’m an expert, Ma’am. Trained in all forms of weaponry.”

“I’m not sure if that makes me feel scared or safe.” I giggled.

He smiled and reached for my knife. His hand brushed mine, and I felt a
quick flutter in my stomach. I looked up at him from under my eyelashes. Now I
was flirting. I took a step back from him so he didn’t think I was some kind of
freak, inviting soldiers to stay with me so I could flirt and then have my way
with them. In this instance, I wouldn’t have minded, though.

He smirked, began chopping carrots and slicing the tomatoes. We cooked
the entire meal together. He seemed to be at home in the kitchen, like I was. I
loved to cook, and was excited to have, not only someone to cook for, but
someone to cook with.

We dined on our homemade Italian meal with glasses of Merlot, and had
the most amazing conversation. I told him about my parents and my childhood. He
never mentioned his family so I didn’t press him. We talked about the war a
lot. We had both experienced it, and it brought us even closer together. We
shared something that he couldn’t with most other people. It was one of the
reasons why I was so good at my job.

When dinner was finished, he thanked me for a home-cooked meal, offering
me a bit too much praise, which made me blush again, and then we proceeded to
clear the table together.

I grabbed our glasses and an unopened bottle of wine, and we moved over
to the couch in my family room. I was really enjoying having company. This
might actually turn out to be beneficial for both of us.

I thought it might be a good time to work with him, now that he seemed
to be much more at ease. He was still work, no matter how much I was enjoying
spending time with him.

“So, can you tell me more about what happened?”

“You mean, why I’m not still over there?”

I nodded. He immediately tensed up and sat straight back against the
couch. He looked like a mannequin.

“Not yet. I’m not ready to talk to you about that. Is that okay?”

“It most certainly is. This is on your timeframe. So when you feel more
comfortable.” I smiled and placed my hand on his to let him know I meant it. We
had plenty of time to talk, so I certainly didn’t need to rush him. I didn’t
want to. I needed to take things slowly with him. I wanted him to trust me.

Before I even realized it was happening, we had begun gravitating toward
each other on the couch. I’m not sure if it was the wine or the company. It was
probably a little bit of both.

He became quiet, and just looked into my eyes. I just couldn’t look
away. I was lost there. The pull towards him was unstoppable and I felt myself
start to lean in his direction. He gravitated back. My breathing became shallow
as we inched closer and closer. Soon, we were so close that I could feel his
breath on me, and smell the sweet scent of him. I took in a deep breath with
the hopes of being able to taste him. He reached up and cupped my cheek.

“You’re quite beautiful, you know.” I had no words; I couldn’t speak and
just waited, hoping he would lean in and kiss me first; and he did. His soft
lips pressed against mine, and I felt the familiar humming that happened every
time we touched, along with the now fluttering stomach I had recently acquired.
I stayed perfectly still; afraid to let myself go. He pulled back and looked at
me.

“I’m not going to break, you know. You can kiss me back, if you want to,
of course. I can’t remember the last time I actually kissed someone. I’m sorry.
I don’t mean to be so forward and don’t even know if you’re already spoken for.
Hope I’m not overstepping any boundaries.”

That was all I needed to hear. I reached up, twisted my fingers into his
hair, and pulled his face slowly back to mine without ever breaking eye
contact. I kissed him deeply, darting my tongue between his lips. He responded
in kind and our tongues began to swirl together. I felt light-headed, but at
the same time, I felt completely comfortable. We were completely in sync.

 

Reviews:
5.0 out of 5 stars – from KimCheck

“I have read 2 of Christie’s books and one of her short stories and I
have to say I’m very impressed with her writing. I have had the pleasure of
meeting her as she was so very gracious to call in to my book club and chat
about her books and her writing which impressed me even more! The Purple Heart
was a story that draws you in and makes you feel like you are living within the
story line. This story took me to a place I did not expect at all. The
characters in the book became so alive in my head that I truly felt connected
to every turn the story took. I highly recommend The Purple Heart and will be
sure to let everyone know how great it is.”

5.0 out of 5 stars – from tori muise

“This book had me on the edge of my seat and I couldn’t put it done!
Beautiful book and I’ve been telling everyone I know to read it!!!”

5.0 out of 5 stars – from Ireland

“This book was one that I could not put down. I started it on Friday
night and finished it on Saturday night, it was that good! I did not want it to
end. I can’t wait to read the next book that Christie Gucker writes!”

5.0 out of 5 stars – from BRIAN E LAROCQUE

“Her best book yet! Great story and great characters! I loved the Cheryl
and Gina story as well. I’m sure we will be reading more great stories from
this new author!”

5.0 out of 5 stars – from Newest Fan

“Although I am an avid reader, I seldom feel the need to write a review
for a book. With The Purple Heart, I just had to. I discovered this book by
accident, wanted something to read on a cold winter’s day. I no way expected to
be pulled into this love story. It pulled me in alright. Pulled at my heart
strings. What a beautiful love story. Classic, romantic but completely
unpredictable. Discovering this book and this author, Ms. Gucker was a
delightful surprise. Can’t wait to read your other works.”

 

About the Author:

Christie A.C. Gucker lives in NJ with her husband, two daughters and a
menagerie of pets. Being a mother is one of the greatest joys of her life. She
has worked in the advertising industry for over 20 years as a degreed artist,
but also works in the fine arts, especially sculpting out of stone or snapping photographs.
Christie is also a singer and musician, and can be found singing on a few CDs.

After the death of her father, Christie searched for something to fill
her desire to make a mark in this world. Her love of the arts and creativity
allowed her to search for a new medium, which she found with a pen instead of a
brush. Being an avid reader her whole life, and with her family cheering her
on, she decided to take her shot, and began writing.

Christie is fascinated by the supernatural and sharks, and studies both
avidly. You’ll be sure to find something spooky lurking somewhere in her
stories. Her greatest joy is sitting on a beach with her family while surf
fishing, flying kites or building sandcastles with her girls.

Christie is on FOUR Amazon Best Selling Lists: Romance, Short Story
Paranormal Romance and Fantasy.

 

Connect with Christie A.C. Gucker

Email | Website | Facebook |
Twitter | Amazon
Author’s Page | AuthorDB

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