I am writing my steamier stuff as Lara Steele, and writing my contemporary romance, and urban fantasy, paranormal fantasy as Ellie Mack.

This one – London Falling has a trigger warning and is rather dark. Sometimes, a person has to go through stuff to grow. Stephanie goes through it –  but that’s the key – THROUGH IT! As a survivor myself, it’s important to not let the trauma rule your life.

EXCERPT:

This is insane.

Stephanie combed her fingers through her hair as she milled about the bookstore at the airport.

What am I thinking?

She picked up a postcard from the shelf. Forcing herself to take deeper breaths trying to shake off the jitters. She’d come this far, she couldn’t back out now could she?

She set the postcard down, glancing over the shelves of baubles, knick knacks, and kitschy trinkets.

Maybe I should bring a souvenir for Rob!

She moved over to a rack of t-shirts and jerseys. Daddy was a big Cubs fan, maybe Rob would like them. Or then again, maybe he’d have no interest in American baseball.

Stephanie sighed, and moved to the stuffed animals bin. She moved them about, squishing their plush little bodies, then sighed. She’d never been one for stuffed animals. Walking around the end cap of plushies she came to a display of books. She tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear as she chewed her bottom lip.

Being impulsive, planning a trip with no agenda, meeting a stranger for Pete’s sakes–she’d gone mad! Her smile spread broader and a rosy blush spread over her cheeks.

Mad or not she was excited. Scared out of her wits, but more than anything, excited. When was the last time she’d done anything impulsive?

She couldn’t recall any time. Ever!

I’m not thinking, that’s the problem!

She glanced at the selection of books, not really seeing them. She paced about the store before settling at the magazine rack. Not that she was interested in anything there, but it was a place to stand and think.

Just go back to your steady job and forget about Rob.

Yeah, because my life is so incredibly exciting, not! Divorced, dumped for some slut with fake boobs, delusions of love floating through my head when I could very easily be cat fished!

She glanced in a mirrored column at her curvy derriere, wishing she had the discipline to spend more time in the gym. Her cheating ex had done a number on her self esteem. Now, she doubted anything she had ever had confidence in before including her body, looks, and even her personality.