Around the Fire Book Spotlight. Secret Desires by J. L. Regen.

SECRET DESIRES
by J. L. Regen
Release 

• Publication date ‏ : ‎ March 11, 2017
• Print length ‏ : ‎ 196 pages
• 18+ audience

https://www.amazon.com/Secret-Desires-J-L-Regen-ebook/dp/B06XKH8F7F
www.barnesandnoble.com/w/secret-desires-j-l-regen/1125516296

About Secret Desires
Nothing in Margo Simmons’s life comes easy. She can’t claim the inheritance on a condo apartment her uncle has left to her until she is gainfully employed in a job for a year. She meets the man of her dreams but anguishes over a loving relationship because he is still emotionally tied to his deceased wife. With great difficulty, she becomes the guardian to a recently orphaned child she had been tutoring.   Margo evolves from an insecure, newbie elementary teacher into a woman determined to fulfill the secret desires locked in her heart. My story speaks to anyone who has suffered a loss and had to start over.

A Peek between the covers
MARGO SIMMONS GRIPPED THE EDGES of the leather chair, waiting for details from the family lawyer about her Uncle Harry’s death. She hoped it would be shorter and less pain ful than the reading of her father’s will. An older gentleman extended his hand. “I’m sorry your mother couldn’t be here.” Margo looked up from her reflections to acknowledge him. “Thanks, Mr. Steinberg.” “You’ve grown into a lovely young woman.” Margo blinked back tears at memories of good times shared with Uncle Harry. “Not so young. I’m twenty-three.” The portly man squeezed himself into a swivel chair and peered at her over wire-rimmed bifocals. “I’m ancient compared to that number.” Margo gripped her knees to steady her nerves. “My mother wanted to come with me, but they’re downsizing at her dress shop. She was afraid to leave early. My stepfather is furious because Uncle Harry didn’t leave him any money.” Mr. Steinberg saddened at the sorrowful expression on the young woman’s face. “It pains me to hear Jerry hasn’t changed his ways. However, since you’re the only one present to hear your uncle’s will, I’ll get to the point. Harry has left you his Riverside Drive condominium apartment and the sum of two hundred and fifty thousand dollars.” Margo jumped up from the chair and hugged the man. “This is a miracle. I can’t wait to tell my Mom. She’s wanted me to get out on my own. Now I can. Though I wish it hadn’t come with the loss of my uncle. I adored him.  
NOMINATED AS ROMANCE NOVEL OF 2019 BY READERS CHOICE.

SECRET DESIRES is now on sale at Audible.com and on iTunes. Now, you can listen to Margo’s story and cheer her on as you commute to work or sit back and adjust your headsets at home. It is also available on B&N.com and Amazon.com –eBook and paper.

J.L. Regen’s book was inspired by a real life story of lovers who join hearts against many odds. She lives in the New York metropolitan area, is a published photojournalist, has short suspense stories online, and has taught English as a Second Language to students around the globe. This is her first contemporary romance. She has also published three nonfiction books and is crafting a historical suspense set in World War II.

WHY DID I CHOOSE Margo and Edward and the theme of Starting Over:
Margo wants a place of her own, as I did in my 20's, loves children so much that she becomes a foster parent (I've nurtured children as a teacher for decades), and wants to share her life with someone special to fulfill her secret desires.
Edward in his early 30's is successful but empty and drained after losing a wife he adored. He is hesitant to take a second chance on love because most of the women he meets are after his money --he's an investment banker with a burgeoning portfolio.

IS THIS BOOK A SLICE FROM YOUR LIFE?
I dated a man like Edward in my 20's but wasn't ready to dive into marriage.
WHAT KINDS OF BOOKS DO YOU ENJOY READING?
Now, my favorite are historical, especially WWII. If the book includes romantic liaisons, I cheer them on for a happily ever after but my focus is keeping the heroine in my future historical suspenses out of danger.
WILL THERE BE A SEQUEL TO SECRET DESIRES?
Yes, I'm working on it now.

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