When You Need Summer in Your Winter

1/17/2019

Destination Passion

Beach Reads Romance series (Book 2)

Toya Richardson

Blurb

She’s ready for change. He’s reluctant to trust. But passion is in the heart of the beholder… and love awaits.

Leah Stevens can’t wait to leave her awful UK dating experiences behind. After a traumatic relationship, she’s not sure she can trust again—not even the handsome, happy-go-lucky guy she’s been talking with over Skype. When she travels across the globe to New Zealand, Leah doesn’t expect her online friend to give her a very real and passionate kiss.

Being the life and soul of the party has gotten Neil Sykes in trouble before. After his last relationship ended with an embarrassing public video, he wants to take things slow with the beautiful Leah. But he can barely contain his exuberant emotions, which range from passion to jealousy…

As they feel the pull of perfect chemistry, Leah and Neil’s emotional baggage starts to force them apart.

Surrounded by South Pacific paradise, the wary couple must overcome their painful pasts for a chance at true love.

Destination Passion is the second standalone book in The Beach Reads Romance Series of light-hearted contemporary tales. If you like endearing characters, exotic coastal settings, and slow-burning affairs, then you’ll love Toya Richardson’s sweet beach read.

Inside Scoop

The cover for Book 1 & Book 2 were voted on and picked by Toya's fans she calls "Treasures". Look her up on Facebook if you are interested in connecting with Toya (and possibly becoming Toya's Treasure yourself).
This will be a 5 book series, all of which are located in beautiful places that Toya has visited on her vacation travels.

My Review

It's winter now, but you can warm up your feet by the fire while Toya heats up your night!

Oh my!

Graphic scenes, a strong woman and another Qiwi guy (as with the first book) will be available for your viewing pleasure January 11th, 2019. (I got a super advanced copy)

Destinatin Passion is the story of Faith & Dean's best friends, Leah & Neil.

Skype is no longer enough. Leah sets on a plane for Waikiki. The rest you'll have to read.

I found Leah a stronger personality than Faith from the first book and Neil is the adorable goofball with heart.

In the same vein as Destination Love, Destination Passion is a light read with deeper moments. You'll wish you were there with them, enjoying the beach.

I Would Recommend to Fans of:

Contemporary Romance

Beach Reads

English (UK) Authors

Easy Reads

Fun Heroines & Goofball Heroes

Excerpt

Leah’s kiss was heaven. It was surreal, as though it was a fantastic daydream, and he’d wake up to find he was with Mike and still grousing about the awful week he’d had. He could still taste her sweetness in his mouth and hear her gentle sigh when their kiss became more intense. They were supposed to be just friends…

When they came apart, he sensed all kinds of odd and alien emotions around her. His head still reeled about the fact she really had arrived. He’d always thought she was beautiful when he spoke to her on Skype. Now, as he looked at her in the flesh, she was even lovelier than he’d initially imagined. Her cheeks were flushed. Her blue eyes bright. Her lips were swollen, and her long blonde hair shone like gold. She wore a pair of tight, faded blue jeans and a black gypsy-style top which was covered in big red roses.

When Mike went off to get a drink, he was still in shock. He kept hold of her hand as if he was scared she’d disappear if he let go. When she shivered while he stroked her wrist, he had the burning desire to hold her close again and cover her face in kisses.

“Are you okay, Big Fella?”

Leah’s voice brought him out of his reverie.

“Sorry, Leah. I think you’ve done something that no one else has ever done before.”

“Are you telling me you’re a virgin and never been kissed before?” She cocked her head to one side and smiled.

Neil spluttered and laughed loudly. “Nah, I lost my V-card a long time ago. You’ve rendered me speechless.”

They both laughed out loud, and the tension, both sexual and nervousness, dissipated.

“That’s good to know. Something else to put on my CV then.”

She became thoughtful and worried at her lower lip.

“Is something wrong?”

Leah shrugged her shoulders. “I had this meeting all planned out. We’d hug, laugh, and maybe have a peck on the cheek. Then we’d sit down, have a couple of drinks, something to eat, and afterwards, you’d catch a ferry home, and that would be it.”

She paused for a moment as though trying to think of the right thing to say. His heart was in his mouth. Maybe she regretted their passionate kiss.

“Hmm, we may only have spoken on Skype before, but I know that expression so well now, Neil.”

“Which expression is that?”

“You’re guessing I’m thinking, why did we kiss like that? Is she regretting it now? Well, the answer is no, I don’t regret it. It was a spontaneous gesture on both our parts, and neither of us pushed the other one away. I’ll admit I love the friendship we have, but it scares me on so many levels.”

“What exactly scared you, Leah?”

“How we found it so easy to kiss like we just did. In front of an audience, too.”

“That’s exactly what I was thinking. I’m certain it’s because I didn’t expect to see you here either. I thought we’d still have more time until we met.”

He groaned when Mike emerged from the bar, still smiling.

“Now what?”

“Mike will go home and tell Lindy. Then Lindy will get in touch with Faith. Mike will get in touch with Dean…”

She rolled her eyes. “Ah, I see what you mean. So, when I arrive on Monday with Faith, will the paparazzi be waiting for me as I get off the ferry?”

He laughed, and the tension was broken once more.

“I’ll make sure you’re not hounded by the press, but I think I might be given the third degree when I get back.”

“Don’t worry,” she said patting his hand. “I’ll deny all knowledge in true Hollywood style. I’ll call Faith a little later and give her the heads-up.”

“It will probably be far too late by then.”

“Why?”

“Well.” He leaned closer to her. “I’m going to ensure Mike is on the next ferry to Waiheke, so he’ll be home well before me.”

“Oh, why is that?”

Her pupils had dilated. He had to resist the urge to haul her onto his lap and kiss her passionately all over again.

“Because I want us to eat dinner together and have a good old chat. Then I’ll walk you back to your hotel, kiss you goodnight, and catch the last ferry home.”

Maybe they'll kiss again... or more. You'll only get to find out if you grab your copy of DESTINATION PASSION.

Author Bio

A very important moment for Toya was giving closure to a reader who survived domestic abuse. But Toya’s books aren’t about self-help. Romance & Fantasy Entwine with Love, Danger & Magic in her relatable characters are stories readers can’t wait to get invested in.

When not writing, Toya spends her mornings gardening, or reading about gardening, before jumping in her Formula One race car to watch her favorite theatre group performing Phantom of the Opera. She’s known to get on stage to jam with live bands that need a back-up singer or toss some darts with friends. She lives in Suffolk with her husband, grown up son and Masai the cat who can never decide if he’s coming or going.