Welcome to Toye's Place

Detective Joseph Fernando arrives at the brutal crime scene to discover his best friend Terrell Freemen murdered and his girlfriend Rachael Thomas clinging to life by a thread. He begins his investigation with little clues and hopes Rachael will recover to help him identify the shooter. Unfortunately she expires months later leaving a cold trail for him to follow. Making matters worse, Rachael’s twin sister, Raquel returns to town to care for the couple’s two-year old son. Joseph hasn’t seen Raquel in five years. Her return stirs up old feelings making him more determined to solve the murders. Will Joseph be able to keep his feelings for Raquel in control while he hunts the perpetrators who committed the heinous crime or will his attraction for Raquel get him kicked off the case? Follow the investigation to see how it unfolds.

I had the pleasure of visiting Fire Station 30 yesterday. I was doing research for my new book and wow, is all I can say. When Ashley and I first arrived, the Battalion Chief was leaving on a run and I thought the interview would be canceled, but only he was dispatched.

Well, we were invited inside and I met with Lt. Dean Murad who gave me a wealth of information and cleaned up my jargon while detailing what they do during their 24-hour shifts. Anyway, I have many tapes to transcribe and can't wait to organize the information to use for my book. I expected the interview to last an hour but it went on for over three hours and what fun Ashley and I had with these guys. I have so much respect firefighters and wish I could do more to help them in getting the attention they need regrarding upgrading their equimpent and getting more funding, because they deserve it.

I would like to thank Lt. Dean Murad, Firefighter Otto, Firefighter Steve and Firefighter Gordon for sharing their stories and the laughs. We had a great time and I was invited back  to talk with them if I needed more material or to do a ride-along on the rig since a call didn't come in while I was there. They have a lot to say and I plan on writing a book putting together their independent stories to share with readers.  Read more about my visit on my blog at www.booksbytoye.com.

“Gabrielle, don’t try an’ scare me away before we get started. I’m not asking you to run down your history to me. I work a lot too. Since I’m single, I volunteer to take on extra shifts for guys that have families—so I know how it is to work a lot. As it is, my hours are different. It seems I’m at the fire house more than I am at home.”

“How have you been dealing with being on medical leave the last few weeks?”

“I’m dealing with it better than I thought. I didn’t realize I was exhausted physically. The time off has recharged my batteries and given me time to catch up on stuff just sitting around collecting dust.”

“My vacation is coming this Spring and I can’t wait.”

“What are you going to do on your time off?”

“I have brochures stashed in my drawer at work of Jamaica and Montego Bay. I want to go lie on the beach of either of those places and do nothing for seven whole days.”

“Are you alone basking on either one these beaches?”

“I am alone since I never make it past my probation period of three months for dating.”

“Your problem is you’re not dating the right type of man.”

She propped her chin on the backs of her hands. “Here we go—you’re going to say, you are the man I should be dating.”

He raised his eyebrow and clicked his tongue to say, “In a nutshell—yup.”

“How do you know that? We could be different as night and day, Jonathan. I won’t dispute the attraction is strong, but once that has lifted what if there is nothing left underneath?”

He scooted the chair away from the table throwing the napkin on the plate. Taking the few steps to where she sat, he reached a hand out to her. Gabrielle took it not knowing what to expect. Her pulse kicked into high gear when he drew her near. She could smell his scent; feel his breath on her forehead. She wanted him more than any man she’d ever encountered in her adult life.

“Do you trust being alone with me?”

Her mouth was dry with anticipation. “Yes.”

“I’m opening myself up to you. Do what you want with me, Gabrielle.”

“What?”

“I want you to do whatever is on your mind to me. If you want to throw juice in my face—then do it.”

“I’ve never heard of doing anything like this. Is this a test of some sort?”

“You’re being apprehensive. You have already warned me about your failed relationships so I’m giving you the opportunity to do whatever you want to me and walk away. But, if you come back, then, I know there is more lying underneath to be explored.”

“You’re crazy and I’m not doing this,” she said huffing.

“Admit you’re scared there might be more and you don’t want to face it.”

“I’m not scared of anything. I didn’t get where I am by being scared to take chances.”

The glaze of his hazel eyes never left hers. He concentrated on the actions running through her head. He could almost hear her thinking. Gabrielle stood frozen to the floor. She’d gone tit-for-tat from day one with him, and now she had him on her territory and at her mercy.

Hey all! Meet Firefighter Jonathan DeMinico who is 6 foot 4 inches tall and tough as nails.  Sparks will definitely fly when he meets Respiratory Therapist Gabrielle King while hospitalized.

This sizzling tale will be coming soon! 

Danielle and Carlos are back and searching for the person causing turmoil in their newly repaired relationship. The search will lead the couple to California where the mystery starts to unfold. Will they be able to diffuse the ticking time bomb before their wedding or will their nemesis prevail in tearing them apart for good.  Now available at Amazon.com and allromanceebooks,com in various formats.

Small excerpt from Scenes To Steal The Heart-Final Act.  Coming soon!

Carlos placed the last of his clothes in the suitcase and zipped it up.  The car would be to take him to the airport soon.  He could not wait to get home to Danielle. Although he had people watching her every move, he felt better if he were the one watching over her.  Whoever was following them covered their tracks expertly. 

He was almost ready to dismiss Herman as a suspect.  He did not think Herman would be stupid enough to actually try to blackmail him again; especially after admitting to installing the cameras in the hotel suite in Cleveland.

Carlos heard a light knock on the door coming from the front room.  Leaving the bedroom he reached the door just as an envelope slipped underneath.  He opened the envelope to remove the content from inside.  Closing his eyes he took in a deep breath.  

Putting the package on the cadenza he opened the door to hear the elevator ding.  Rushing to the end of the hall he caught it.

“Consuela!” He said stopping the elevator doors from closing with his hands.

She did not look at him or speak as he stood before her. The man she longed to have a fling, had now become her enemy.

“Why did you knock if you did not have anything to say?”

With cold eyes she finally said, “You have what you demanded; our business is done.”

“I agree our business is done.  Let this be a lesson, Consuela; choose your battles carefully.  The next person you go up against might not be as nice as me.”

Her eyes narrowed and deepened. “You are one condescending, arrogant bastard wrapped in a pretty package. I don’t know what that woman sees in you.”

He flashed a malevolent smile.  “The same thing you saw until you crossed me.” He stepped back to let the elevator doors close not allowing her to say another word.