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Sand + Surf + Couples = Summer Love
Welcome to Love’s a Beach blog hop. If you just tripped over my post and you’d like to join in the whole hop for a chance to win all kinds of prizes, including the grand prize of a Nook Glowlight, please start HERE.
Okay, I’m going to come right out and say it … I’m a beach bunny. Ya know, like a snow bunny, only warmer and in a lot less clothes. 
Yep, I grew up on the coast of Maine. I worshiped the sun so much that I never lost my tan lines in the winter. Seriously. I didn’t know until I went off to college and didn’t have quite as much time in the sun, that a white bikini in the shower wasn’t normal. LOL! (Of course back then I was too young and stupid to worry about the ozone layer and skin cancer. *eyeroll* Foolish youth.)
Those hours lounging on a towel shaped my romantic fantasies. There is nothing sexier to me than a man without a shirt, a pair of jeans and bare feet. 
The bare feet are a must. And if he was sitting around the bonfire at the river, laughing and hanging (and maybe doing a little flirting), well I was in definite lust.
I learned to sail on the ocean and snorkel it’s waters. I got my first kiss at the beach. (Probably shouldn’t mention it was during a game of spin the bottle. Yeah, pretend I didn’t say that.) Held hands for the first time walking along the sandy shore in the blue wash of a full moon. And yep, after I met Mr. Nina … a little nookie a time or two in the privacy of the dunes.
I’ve enjoyed sunsets and starry nights. The soft brush of an ocean breeze and the crisp bite of the ocean waves. The ocean is the most romantic place I’ve experienced. It’s no wonder the smell of salty air makes my heart go all squishy.
I’ve set a couple of my books at the ocean, the scents and sights always an integral part of my stories. My sexy romantic suspense novel, Deceive Her With Desire takes place on the Maine coast. Please enjoy this excerpt:
Cautious, and working to keep his jangled nerves from pumping his legs in a dead run, Ayden strolled to the shelter of the dinghy. The noise grew louder. Ayden realized he wasn’t moving away from the sound. He was aimed right toward it. What a fool. It was a beautiful fall night. No doubt lovers were using the upended craft for a little private party of their own.
Turning on his heel, he started to walk away, when the noise came again. It wasn’t the moan of sexual pleasure. It was the keening sound of sadness. Someone was crying. And from the quiet hiccupping, it was female.
Ayden shot a longing look over his shoulder, debating between the refuge of the path and the complications under the boat.
Chivalry won out and he stepped warily around the bow.
The redhead sat on the wooden slats, her bare feet digging restlessly in the sand, her face cupped in her hands. Between shuddering breaths, she sputtered angrily into her bent knees, but her tears and her fingers kept the words from him.
“Uh-hmm.” He cleared his throat, not knowing how else to get her attention.
“Holy shit…” She tried to jump to her feet, but banged her head on the iron rigging attached to the upside of the boat and fell back down. “Crap!” Her hand flew to her head.
“I’m sorry, you okay?” Ayden reached for her, but she shook him off.
“I’m fine.”
She looked up at him. Even in the pale light, he could see the sadness in her eyes.
“Actually, I’m not all right.” She pushed herself up, ducking her head away from the oarlock. She brushed the sand off her ass. “You scared the living shit out of me.”
Biting back a smile, Ayden watched her glistening tears turn to fury. That he could handle. An angry woman was one hundred times easier to placate than a despondent one.
“Again, I apologize.” He held his hand out as a peace offering. “I’m Austin Schaeffer.” How easily that name slipped off his tongue.
“Deirdre Tilling,” She shook the hand he offered.
Her grip was surprisingly firm. Ayden liked the touch of her palm against his skin. Not all soft and pliant, but callused and rough. He wondered how it would feel running up his back.
She was a beautiful woman. Her breasts swelled enticingly just above the bodice of her dress. Her long, muscular legs that he’d admired in the great room, started somewhere around her neck. No wonder Jameson had been seducing this lovely creature.
Jameson. Right. He mentally shook his head. Focus, Ayden. Tonight was about gathering information, not sexual conquests. But then again, there was that two birds and one stone thing.
So what about you? Do you have fond memories of the ocean? or perhaps another spot makes your romantic knees go weak? Tell me about it.
*** GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED ***
I’ll be giving away a print copy of Healer’s Garden and a $10 Amazon Gift Card to one lucky person who comments on this blog between now and SUNDAY, AUGUST 19 at 6pm EDT. (**Shipping to US residents only. An international winner would win a $25 Amazon card in lieu of print book and smaller gift card.)
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I have very fond memories of the ocean, we went with my roommate and some friends to the ocean after our first semester and it was a lot of fun, so a bit cold for swiming in the ocean itself and not the pool, so tree of us fell into the ocean by accident, when we sliped on the wet stones alongside the beach.
emiliana25 at web dot de
Emiliana – Sounds like fun! (And yep, the ocean on the east coast can be chilly!)
My hubby is a Maine native from Bucksport, and when we first met we spent time walking along the rocky shore in Ogunquit and even went swimming at Sand Beach (the water temp was actually above 59 degrees that day!) We spent our honeymoon on a schooner out of Rockland, so yes, very fond ocean memories!
emmasmom AT wi DOT rr DOT com
Oh, Mary, I can smell the salt air! LOL! on the water temp. It doesn’t get much warmer than that at Sand Beach.
And your honeymoon sounds lovely! Thanks for sharing.
I love the beach. I was born to be near the ocean, walk along the sandy shores and sit for hours just watchig the waves. I’ve incorporated the beach/ocean into a few books too.
Amber – I just couldn’t stay away. I have a degree in marine biology. The ocean is in my blood!
My memory is not at the ocean beach but a small lake beach that my husband and I fooled around in the water at. I didn’t realize that we were attracting so much attention until my friend said something. Boy, was that embarrassing!
Catherine – LOL! Nothing like the water to get a little sexy … only you’re supposed to be alone!
My husband and I were on a cruise and took a snorkel tour in Cozumel which was his first. He was so amazed at how clear the water was. Now cruising is his favorite way of taking a vacation. Works for me because I love the water!
suz2(at)cox(dot)net
Susan – I’ve had the fortune of snorkeling in the virgin islands, Hawaii and in key west, the water was amazing … and the sea life? So beautiful!
My most fond beach memories are of the pink sands in Bermuda. My husband and I honeymooned there (many years ago) and the water and sand were so beautiful.
kesummer69 at gmail dot com
Kelsey – Pink sand? That sounds beautiful! *adds visit Bermuda to bucket list* Thanks for stopping by!
I live in Michigan so I am surrounded by beautiful fresh lakes and sandy beaches. I did experience the ocean during my High School Senior Trip to Mexico many, many years ago, lol. That was fabulous. Loved your excerpt! Thanks for the giveaway!
jennyrlowery@yahoo.com
Jennifer – If I can’t be near the ocean I’ll take a sandy lake any day! There’s something so peaceful and calming about water.
Thanks for mentioning the excerpt. I love Ayden and Deirdre’s story.
Mr Nina- love it! And love that excerpt! Good show!
Rosanna – Glad you enjoyed the excerpt!
I definitely have some fond memories of the ocean, and my favorite one is maybe too naughty to write here. But suffice to say it always makes me go weak in the knees whenever I think of him.
Thanks for the amazing giveaway!
cunninghamfan AT outlook DOT com
Nikola – I like those kind of ocean memories!
You know I love that excerpt. I don’t get to go to the beach that often. I would love to live near one and wake up each morning to take a walk as the waves crash. I’ve only been to the beach maybe a handful of time.
Savannah – I spent 20 years living away from the ocean (and even a good swimming lake). I’m sooo happy to be living in the ocean state where I can get to the ocean in less than 20 minutes. I hope I don’t have to move away again. My dream is like yours … to live somewhere where I can smell it and hear it by just opening the window!
I’m not a beach girl. Sand is not my friend lol I do love lakes and rivers, though. Nothing better than to sit on a huge rock formation next to a waterfall and watch the neverending rainbow in the mist. I think that’d be my idea of heaven. ^_^
Great excerpt, by the way! Thanks for sharing.
Alianne – Mr. Nina’s not to keen on the sand part of the beach. And both of us would take a rock formation at a river any time. Sounds heavenly! (Glad you enjoyed the excerpt.)
I dont really have a favorite memory. We didn’t get to go to the beach when we were little. I have been on a beach when I got older and I love walking through the waves and sand. Thanks for the giveaway. Please enter me in contest. Tore923@aol.com
Victoria – Walking in the wash of the ocean is such a pleasure. And consider yourself entered!
I live about 15 minutes from the beach, but I don’t go very often (and never swim in it because it’s way too cold). The ocean does soothe me, though, and I can’t really imagine living somewhere landlocked.
vitajex(at)aol(dot)com
Trix – I love going outside and smelling that ocean air. Just the aroma is soothing for my soul.
Mr Carin is from San Diego and going to the beach with him after we were first married is a great memory. I would have thought Maine was to cold to hang out on the beach much but I guess its what you are accustom to. Thanks for sharing your excerpt, Carin
mawmom at gmail dot com
Carin – I’ve never been to a California beach, but it’s on my bucket list. I did put my feet in the pacific ocean off the coast of Washington … it was freezing! Maine waters can be cold for sure, but most of the summer it’s not too bad!
I’ve always wanted to visit the coast of Maine. To be honest I love the forest, especially a Redwood forest. The beach was never my favorite.
smurfettev AT gmail DOT com
Sheri – I spent a lot of time in the forest. I love the smell! I have yet to see a redwood. I can only imagine how it feels to be dwarfed by their magestic size.
I love bringing the dogs to the beach, so they can swim after the balls. Thx for giveaway.
blinkysthebest at aol dot com
Lona – Our dogs always loved swimming in the ocean. I loved to see them jumping over the waves in pursuit of balls!
I live in the land of 10,000 plus lakes, so a shore is never far from me. Unfortunately, they seemed to be frozen over or too cold for half the year.
I agree with seeing men’s feet….well, except for when they have troll feet lol…something about them makes a man seem vulnerable.
Stacey – LOL! Yep, nothing worse than having all that water and beautiful shore frozen over! (I feel your pain. I lived in N. Maine for 20+ years.)
Oh, maybe it is the vulnerability they’re showing when they’re feet are exposed … hadn’t really thought of it that way.
I loved the beaches in Jamaica(went there on honeymoon)! Though I have to say I am not a fan of sand much at all. Don’t like the feel of it on my toes. Loved the excerpt and will tell no one about spin the bottle!
susanmplatt AT hotmail DOT com
Susan – Whew … glad my spin-the-bottle secret is safe with you!
I’ve only been to the beach and ocean once. And that was 10 years ago. And it wasn’t nearly long enough! Hopefully if I make it back to one, I’ll be able to have a weak in the knees moment!
Thanks for sharing!
rae.gwendy(at)gmail(dot)com
Rae – The ocean is definitely a magical place. And here’s hoping you can add an ocean romantic moment to your memories!
My best beach memories are of renting condos with friends after finals ended. There were enough of us for 2 or 3 condos and we would just relax and have fun after tough exams. This was in NC, I believe it was Carolina Beach.
Stephanie – My neices live in Maryland … they did the same thing for their senior year in highschool. A sort of extended graduation party. They have fond memories of spending the week at the beach with their friends.
I have never seen an ocean plan to one day though . All we have around me is streams and those are rocky and cold . Ill just have to stick to my hot tub
meandi09@Yahoo.com
Jennifer – The hot tub sounds warm and sexy … definitely take some time relaxing!
My favorite memory of the beach is going to Ft. Walton the summer after I graduated from college. Couple of girlfriends and I had a condo lent to us by family friend. We soaked up the sun all day then danced all night. I had the best time flirting and walking on the beach with my beach boy friend..good times.
clarkac64@yahoo.com
Anne – Oh yeeeeah … nothing better than a beach boyfriend!
It was only about 13 years ago that I visited the ocean for the first time. We had just moved to Ft. Stewart, GA and went down to Jekyll Island with the kids and some friends. I was in love and didn’t want to leave.
cms72023(at)gmail(dot)com
Christine – The smells and the sounds are unique to the ocean alone. It’s definitely something you never forget.
The best memories I have of the beach is when I was a kid and we were in Florida with my grandparents. It was my first time to the beach and we spent hours walking, jumping waves, picking up shells, and exploring.
Books- Ahh, I love that you got to spend ocean time with your grandparents, that’s really special.
That was a great excerpt!
And the beach has never really been my thing, I think. I live on the coast so I suppose seeing it frequently takes the appeal out of it for me. I prefer the mountains I think. 
Thanks for the giveaway.
imsocool(at)gmail(dot)com
Melissa – I’m glad you enjoyed the excerpt. I love Dee and Ayden. And my sister believes people are either ocean people or mountain people. I think she may be right.
My memories of the ocean are with my grandparents on South Padre Island, TX. I used to visit them when I was in college. I do miss them dearly.
Mel
bournmelissa at hotmail dot com
Mel – Those sound like special times. You’re fortunate to have such wonderful memories of your grandparents.
I want Ayden!
Great excerpt – just enough to tease
Danita – So glad you enjoyed it!
I honestly love the beach, when I was younger I spent summers there then just a few years ago we moved near Savannah and I got to go to that beach . I was like a kid in a candy store. Watching the waves crash against the beach is so mesmerizing .
vampiremistress2010(at)gmail(dot)Com
Donna – When I was a teen I would sit on the rocks and just watch the waves for hours. There was something so cleansing and relaxing about watching the tide ebb and flow.
I love the ocean! We used to go the the beach when I was a kid with my family so I have fond memories of them.
tamsyn5(at)yahoo(dot)com
Tamsyn – There’s nothing like wonderful memories of family vacations.
I agree..a shirtless man in jeans and bare feet…YUMMM! Thanks for the Hop!
Thanks for stopping by Angie!
i spent first 8 yrs of my life in pa so i went to the shore often durring the summer my dad would bring boots to the shore mainly because well i had a thing with f illin them with sea shells the sun didnt like me much so pale but the night time was fun i loved the shore at night its soo beautiful
ty for the chance
mortalsinn at yahoo dot com
Beverly – LOL! on the boots. And it’s true, the ocean at night is so just gorgeous.
I love the ocean so much, but since I don’t live anywhere close to one I have to settle for the Rocky Mountains. My favorite time is at night because the stars are so clear.
Jessica – Ohh, the mountains at night … yep, one of my favorite places as well.
I love the beach/ocean but I also love the outdoors and think the mountains and forest make beautiful and romantic places as well. I think my all time romantic place would be somewhere with a waterfall. Now that is something that makes my knees go week.
Gabrielle
meingee@yahoo.com
Gabrielle – I’m with you on the waterfall. (My first book “Healer’s Garden” has a beautiful waterfall that stars prominently in the story.)
I’m a Maine beach bunny, too! I love the ocean and Green Lake. I have a lot of great memories of summer at the beach with my family. cheryllynne(at)rocketmail(dot)com
Cheryl – Nothing like family memories of the coean!
I also am a beach lover – we go to the Florida gulf coast all the time. I want to know why Deirdre was crying. I’ll have to read Deceive with Desire.
Monica – I love Deirdre and Ayden’s story. I hope you enjoy it!
Fantastic excerpt, I really enjoyed it, thanks for sharing. My fondest memories are when I was a kid and we’d go to St. Petersburg Beach in Florida every year. I loved playing in the sand and hunting shells. I did get in the water sometimes too. But I just had fun with my mom watching. One time we even drove the car on the beach. That was just so super awesome. I loved it.
luvfuzzzeeefaces at yahoo dot com
Julianne – I haven’t been to a beach where you can drive your car, but it’s on my bucket list. It sounds so awesome!
The first time I ever saw the ocean was 2 years ago.Nothing romantic about it.I was with my sister and her family and we went out east.
Thanks for sharing the excerpt.
elaing8[at]netscape[dot]net
LOL! Elaine. Yeah, nothing romantic about being with your sister. I hope you at least enjoyed your time there.
It’s fun reading about your start, and seeing your excerpt. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for stopping by A. Catherine!
My fond memories of the ocean would be just spending time with the family, relaxing and enjoying the water and sand. I hope that you have a great weekend and Thank you for being a part of the hop!
jessangil at gmail dot com
Jessica – The beach can be such a relaxing place!
Thanks for the opportunity to be a part of the hop. I am having fun so far. I am glad that I stopped here Nina. You were entertaining. The blurb was a bonus. Take care!
Belinda – Glad you enjoyed the post! Thanks so much for joining in the hop.
The beaches here in Australia are beautiful,as they have white soft sand. I certainly have fond memories of the beach, especially up in the sand dunes. Yes it is worth having the sand in uncomfortable places.
Oh, Ann, Australia is on my bucket list. LOL! on the sand dunes. I hope to say I got the white soft sand in “uncomfortable places” some day too! Thanks for stopping by.
I was born and raised on Long Island, New York and later moved to Florida — both places with no shortage of fantastic beaches! Most of my life memories have something to do with the beach—-my first kiss was at a dock party on Cedar Beach, a bunch of us took a little boat across the Long Island Sound to this little island only accessible by boat to watch the 4th of July fireworks…after any prom, homecoming, etc, everyone headed for the beach…
Thanks for the amazing giveaway!
elizabeth @ bookattict . com
BookAttict – Awww … love that your special times center around the beach. Thanks so much for sharing.
Ive never been to the Ocean or a beach. I always have wanted to go to one.
lauratroxel@yahoo.com
Laura – Definitely something to see. It’s really beautiful.
I love the beach spent most of my summers growing up playing and swimming the beach,running on the boardwalk and fishing .
flanagan@Mebtel.net
Wanda – That sounds like a wonderful childhood.
As i lived near the beach as a teenager, my friends and I would go to “Venice Beach” California every day during the summer. We would spend hours at “Gold’s Gym” (an open air gym in the middle of Venice Beach)and ogle/drool over all that muscle on display. then we would go spend hours more laying in the sun in those tiny bikini’s trying to get that perfect tan. Venice beach on the weekend during the summer is like no place else on Earth. there is ALWAYS something going on there and always some eye candy to drool over. Alas, I had to go to college and get a job and married, so no more long days spent at the beach. (that was over 20 years ago) Now I only go to Venice beach if someone comes from out of town and want to see it.
Thanks for being part of the hop and for the chance to win.
reneebennett35(at)yahoo(dot)com
Renee – Now that sounds like one heck of a beach experience. I would love to have had an open-air gym when I was a teen.
Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing.
I love the ocean and beach but unfortunately I live to far away, we did go to Mexico Puerto Vallarta for our honeymoon and the hotel was sat right on the beach but like I said it was our honeymoon, so we didn’t see much of the beach then either, lol, x x
Julie – LOL! I’m sure what little you saw of the beach was beautiful.
They sound like wonderful memories that you have of the beach! I got married on the beach! I really enjoy it and love to sit on the sand and watch the sunset. Thank you for the great giveaway and sharing that fabulous excerpt!
trb0917 at gmail.com
Tina – That sounds like a lovely wedding. I was at a beach hotel once where the bride walked right by our table before her wedding. I wanted to go watch … by restrained myself.LOL!
Thanks.. I love Miami Beach… since that is where I was raised
Kimberly – Miami looks like it has beautiful beaches.
CONGRATULATIONS TO VICTORIA of Pennsylvania … she was chosen at random to receive “Healer’s Garden” and the Amazon Gift Card. Thanks to everyone who stopped by and joined in the fun … don’t be strangers!