Welcome to Teaser Tuesday, the blog series where I share snippets from new and past releases, and works-in-progress, and occasionally have writing buddies sharing the fun.

Those of you who follow me on Facebook know that I spent a goodly part of last week searching for the perfect man to grace the cover of Chrissy and the Burroughs Boy (coming soon!). Getting a book’s cover right is vital. Not only does it need to attract interest so readers pick it up, it must also satisfy in other ways. There’s nothing quite so delicious as stroking a cover you love, especially when you’ve finished the book and are feeling all gooey, and still thinking about the characters and their journey. I’ve even been known to cuddle them. These things aren’t quite as much fun with an ugly cover.

I’ve been lucky enough to score some gorgeous covers but must say that the one I love the most is Wayward Heart’s. It’s swoonworthy, and I’m not the only one who thinks so with Australian Romance Readers Association members voting it best cover in the 2016 awards.

I love everything about it, from the gorgeousness of the models to the bright red title to the golden background. From first concept it was a winner and best of all it yells ROMANCE loud and clear. A cover that’s out and proud? Gotta love that.

In case you missed it, you can learn about the photo shoot and that clinch on the blog post Wayward Heart’s Cover Model Reveals All.

Speaking of romance and awards, if you’re looking for a new read then you can’t go past the Romance Writers of Australia Romantic Book of the Year finalists, which I’m super chuffed to be one of with Santa and the Saddler. Check out the Booktopia blog for all the finalists and categories.

Right, on to this week’s snippet. This is from Wayward Heart which gives me an excellent excuse to grab a copy out and caress the cover, as you do. The hero Digby has arrived at our heroine Jasmine’s house and knows something is up. She’s keeping a secret, but what?

Digby followed, studying her as she fetched glasses. She’d sounded welcoming, yet every movement seemed stiff and self-conscious, and it was nothing like the gentle pleasure of his previous visits.

‘I can go, if you don’t want me here.’

She stopped, her expression appalled. ‘No! No, don’t think that, please. I like having you call in. It’s nice.’ She smiled and this time it felt genuine. ‘I’m just a bit distracted. Work.’ She shrugged. ‘You know how it is.’

He did. Or rather, he used to. Work seemed long ago now. He glanced around the room while Jas rummaged for a corkscrew. His late uncle James would be horrified they weren’t decanting the wine or letting it breathe, but Digby didn’t care. The faster they had their drinks and were settled, the sooner he could find out what was going on.

Purchase your copy of Wayward Heart from Amazon, Kobo, Google Play, Nook, Booktopia, Angus and Robertson Bookworld or your favourite retailer.