From Star Survivor, which was the long awaited sequel to Wreck of the Nebula Dream (“Titanic in space”). (Blurb below the excerpt.)
She’d known it was a mistake to agree to venture out of her cabin, much less to go to the casino, but her companions had been begging her to join them on this final night of the cruise. A woman couldn’t concentrate on business all the time, could she? Not even to avoid unpleasant realities. A migraine nagged above her eye, threatening to become full blown, and the loud thumping music in the casino aggravated the pain. Twilka Zabour paused at the entrance to the private, high stakes gaming area and froze.
Oh, yes, a major flashback was inevitable now. Not just because the lights and the music and the crowd were reminding her so forcibly of the last night on board the Nebula Dream, but because of the man standing in the center of a largely female, laughing group of passengers. He stood with his back to her, thank the lords, and all she could see were his broad shoulders and that glossy, unbound mane of hair, but the high roller running the table was a D’nvannae Brother.
Khevan.
The memories were a physical pain in her gut as the room spun around her.
The blurb:
The survivors of a terrible wreck meet again—but this time only one can survive.
They survived an iconic spaceship wreck together. She never expected to see him again … especially not armed to kill her.
Twilka Zabour is an interstellar celebrity. She built on her notoriety as a carefree Socialite who survived the terrible wreck of the Nebula Dream, and launched a successful design house. But now the man who gave meaning to her life, then left her, is back–this time for the worst of reasons. Will he kill her … or help her survive?
D’nvannae Brother Khevan survived the Nebula Dream in the company of a lovely, warm woman, only to be pulled away from her, back into his solitary life in the service of the Red Lady. Now Twilka’s within his reach again–for all the wrong reasons. Khevan will do everything within his power to discover why Twilka has been targeted for assassination, and to save her.
But Khevan is not Twilka’s only pursuer. Will allies Nick and Mara Jameson arrive in time to aid the couple, or will Khevan and Twilka’s ingenuity be all that stands between them and death?
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The entire trilogy is available in a box set, if you prefer:
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I’m not sure you could call this a ‘meet cute’, but it’s certainly very dramatic!
Great excerpt. So intriguing I bought the book. Can’t wait to read it.
Definitely an intriguing opening! All the best with your new release! 🙂
How well I recall the previous story and here we are again. Oh Veronica, you are a wonder. Your stories are cleverly wound together with care. Hugs, my friend.
Great intro!! I’m on board!
I love sequels and this one is starting off with quite a bang. I love how you draw us into the world with just 10 sentences. Can’t wait to read more!
She seems on the point of collapse. I’m guessing it will get worse!
Another awesome story, Veronica!
I can’t wait for more.
Here comes trouble… 😉
Fabulous start to your story. Eagerly await more snippets.
Not the forced socialization and loud music! Sometimes friends are terrible people. 😛 But he seems like some nice eye candy, even if she doesn’t appreciate it right now.
Great introduction to the characters.
So I read this on the day I’m trying to shake a migraine before I go to work… I’m betting that she’s wishing she’d stayed in her cabin and not just because of the migraine. (If I was in her shoes I’d make my escape now, since it doesn’t sound like she wants to be reunited with him.)
I have migraines so a number of my heroines do as well…..hmmm…..well, she’s in a state where she does and she doesn’t want to have it out with him.
And I hope your migraine goes away soon!!! I sympathize.
A pretty intense meeting! Great snippet!
Great hook.
What an intro. I’m intrigued to know more about their relationship.
Ooh, I love this premise!! All that unbound hair, women laughing all around…quite an introduction before a word ever passes between them! (Again.) Great opening, love it.
Yes, D’nvannae Brothers are pretty hot…..and dangerous. Thanks!
Thanks for all the comments today and I’m glad the scene seems to be working as the intro to the book. I had such a good time revisiting and featuring these two characters, who were secondary in the first book. Now it’s their turn! (This book is standalone, I think, tried not to do too many spoilers for the first book along the way though.)
Such a great setup to this story. I just finished Outbreak. Another great read!!!
Oh, I’m so glad you enjoyed Outbreak! Thanks for letting me know 🙂
Your description of the migraine made my head heart. So well done!
Head HURT not heart. Just washed my fingers and can’t do a thing with them.
I loved Nebula Dream. Can’t wait to read this one.
Very nice introduction. can’t wait to read more.
Great intro, love your snippet
Great start of the new book ! 🙂
Ouch. Music when a migraine is impending pulses through my body, and gets trapped in my head. Introducing an old lover surrounded by and laughing with other women….OUCH!
I’m hooked. More, please! =D