Next up in the Silver series:
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Preorders are up on the retailers where it will release on Friday, January 26.
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Get ready to fall in love with a heartwarming later-in-life romance in SJ McCoy's Walking on Sunshine, the eleventh book in the beloved Summer Lake Silver series.
Damon, a former Marine, is struggling after a difficult divorce, but he's found solace in his new home in Summer Lake. He’s taken on two jobs to keep himself busy, working as a personal trainer during the day and bartending at Taryn's restaurant at night.
Jo has recently retired from her job as a portfolio manager and moved to Four Mile Creek to start a new chapter in her life. She’s done with her stressful career – and with her stressful marriage to a ruthlessly successful fund manager.
When Damon and Jo run into each other around town, they feel an instant connection. However, they don't believe the other could possibly be interested in them. Damon sees a high-powered businesswoman, and Jo sees a free spirit who doesn’t have time for a woman in his life – and who wouldn’t choose her if he did.
Fate brings them together when Jo hires a personal trainer and is shocked to find that it's Damon. As they work out together, they quickly become close friends. As they navigate their feelings for each other, they must also face the challenges of Damon's not-so-ex-wife and Jo's grown kids, who desperately want to reunite their parents.
The magic of Summer Lake is strong, with the support of good friends and the idyllic setting, but these two will have to navigate their pasts before they can hope to find happiness together in the present.
With its delightful cast of characters, feel-good storyline, and charming small town setting, Walking on Sunshine is the perfect read for anyone who believes in the power of love and the joy of finding it later in life. Sit back, relax, and let the magic of Summer Lake sweep you away.
Preorders are up on the retailers.
NOW LIVE and at a discount from SJMcCoyBooks.com
Amazon US Amazon UK Amazon CA Amazon AUS Google Play B&N Kobo Apple iBooks
NOW LIVE and at a discount from SJMcCoyBooks.com
Preorders are up on the retailers where it will release on Friday, January 26.
Amazon US Amazon UK Amazon CA Amazon AUS Google Play B&N Kobo Apple iBooks
Get ready to fall in love with a heartwarming later-in-life romance in SJ McCoy's Walking on Sunshine, the eleventh book in the beloved Summer Lake Silver series.
Damon, a former Marine, is struggling after a difficult divorce, but he's found solace in his new home in Summer Lake. He’s taken on two jobs to keep himself busy, working as a personal trainer during the day and bartending at Taryn's restaurant at night.
Jo has recently retired from her job as a portfolio manager and moved to Four Mile Creek to start a new chapter in her life. She’s done with her stressful career – and with her stressful marriage to a ruthlessly successful fund manager.
When Damon and Jo run into each other around town, they feel an instant connection. However, they don't believe the other could possibly be interested in them. Damon sees a high-powered businesswoman, and Jo sees a free spirit who doesn’t have time for a woman in his life – and who wouldn’t choose her if he did.
Fate brings them together when Jo hires a personal trainer and is shocked to find that it's Damon. As they work out together, they quickly become close friends. As they navigate their feelings for each other, they must also face the challenges of Damon's not-so-ex-wife and Jo's grown kids, who desperately want to reunite their parents.
The magic of Summer Lake is strong, with the support of good friends and the idyllic setting, but these two will have to navigate their pasts before they can hope to find happiness together in the present.
With its delightful cast of characters, feel-good storyline, and charming small town setting, Walking on Sunshine is the perfect read for anyone who believes in the power of love and the joy of finding it later in life. Sit back, relax, and let the magic of Summer Lake sweep you away.
Preorders are up on the retailers.
NOW LIVE and at a discount from SJMcCoyBooks.com
Amazon US Amazon UK Amazon CA Amazon AUS Google Play B&N Kobo Apple iBooks
Sneak Peek
When Jo got back to her room in the lodge, she closed her eyes and threw her phone down on the bed. She really didn’t need this. She was supposed to be here to enjoy a break. Okay, so, retirement was way more than a break – but retirement felt like way too big of a deal to face it all in one go. So, she kept telling herself that this trip to Summer Lake was just a break.
She scowled at her phone when it beeped with another text. What she really needed was a break from her daughter. Why she’d thought that bringing Mallory out here for the weekend was a good idea was beyond her. She knew better.
She snatched her phone up. It was Sunday afternoon, and Mallory would have to leave in a little while. As much as she wanted to, she really shouldn’t just ignore her until she left.
Mallory: Meet me in the bar? We should talk before I leave.
Jo: I’ll be down there in a few minutes.
Of course, when she got down there, there was no sign of Mallory. Jo pulled up a seat at the bar. All she needed to do was get through the next hour or so. Then, her daughter would go back to her life in Orange County, and tomorrow, Jo would be able to make a start on settling into her new life here in Summer Lake.
“Hello again. What can I get you? Is it one for the road before you leave us?”
She felt a touch of heat in her cheeks when the bartender, Damon, came to her with a big smile on his face. He’d been so friendly every time she came into the bar. She needed to get over it. It was just that he was good at his job – and she’d been starved of attention for so long, that a flirty bartender made her feel special.
“I’ll take a G&T, heavy on the G.” She smiled. “Don’t worry. It isn’t for the road.”
He braced his hands on the edge of the bar and cocked his head to the side. He was a big man – huge. Even with the bar between them, he towered over her.
His eyes twinkled as he said, “Are you about to make my day and tell me that you’re not leaving us? You’re sticking around? That’s the best news I’ve had all weekend.”
She smiled through pursed lips. “I bet you say that to all the girls.”
“Nope. Just you.” He looked all around as if checking to see if anyone was listening before he leaned closer.
Jo automatically leaned in to hear what he had to say.
“Truth be told, I’m glad to see the back of some of them.”
She laughed. She wasn’t about to tell him – she felt awful even admitting it to herself – but she knew how he felt, she’d be glad to see the back of Mallory when she left.
He glanced over her shoulder, and his smile disappeared. “I’ll get you that G&T – and if you want to come back to see me tonight, after the crowds have departed, it’d be my pleasure to get you another.”
She nodded happily. If he wanted to drum up some business – and fill his tip jar on a quiet night, she’d be happy to oblige. It’d beat sitting stewing in her hotel room over whatever parting shots Mallory left her with.
“Mom.”
“Mallory.” She plastered a smile on her face as she turned to greet her daughter.
“I’ll need to get on the road shortly, but I wanted to see you before I go.”
“I’m glad. I know you’re not thrilled about me staying here, but I don’t want to leave things on a sour note between us. Let’s just enjoy half an hour together before you leave, can we?”
Mallory’s lips pressed into a thin line. “I can’t enjoy anything about this place. It’s …” she looked around “… it’s ridiculous to think that you might move here.”
As Jo sucked in a deep breath to steady herself, she noticed Damon slide her G&T across the bar. She shot him a grateful smile and took a drink before facing her daughter.
“I already have moved here, sweetheart. I’m going to look at the house tomorrow.”
“But you can still back out! You haven’t signed anything yet! Please, don’t do it! Come home!”
Jo took another slug of her drink – grateful that Damon had done as she’d asked and gone heavy on the gin.
“Where exactly are you calling home?”
“You know damn well where I mean! I mean our home! The home where I grew up! The home that Dad’s hoping that you’ll return to. And I’ll tell you something, you should take this chance – he’s not going to wait forever!”
Jo closed her eyes. “You mean the house that I moved out of more than a year ago? The house that he moved his secretary into two days after I left? I don’t know how many ways I can say this, sweetheart. I really don’t. I have no intention of going back to your father – ever. I’m not going to say anything else on the subject. I’m glad for you that you have a good relationship with him still – but I don’t, and I have no desire to.”
“Why won’t you get it through your head? He’s sorry. It’s over with Juliette. He wants you home. Coming out here to a little town in the boonies like this is ridiculous!”
“I don’t care if he’s sorry! I don’t care if his affair is over. All that matters to me is that the marriage is over. That’s what you need to get through your head – and your father does, too.”
“Why do you have to be so stubborn, Mom? This is no place for you! You should come home.” Mallory wasn’t exactly shouting, but her voice was raised.
Jo managed to rein herself in. This was pointless. She wasn’t going to convince Mallory of anything, and she had no desire to get into a screaming match with her – especially not here.
She glanced around, feeling embarrassed. Damon was chatting with two men sitting farther down the bar – they were the only ones who’d been disturbed by Mallory’s outburst. He gave her a reassuring smile, which she appreciated.
Even if all he was doing was earning his tips, she didn’t care. He was the most supportive presence she’d had in her life in a long time.
He and the two men he was with turned when a woman called from the entrance, “Hey guys, we’ll meet you out on the terrace.”
The woman had a friend with her, and they each had a dog on a leash. Jo had always wanted a dog. Just as she was wondering if getting a dog was finally going to be possible for her, Mallory interrupted her thoughts.
“You’re not even listening to me, are you? I can see why Dad –”
No. That was too much. Jo had taken as much as she was going to. “Why he what, Mallory?” she snapped. “Why he started sleeping with his secretary? Why he threw away thirty years of marriage? Tell me what exactly it is that you can see – and then, maybe you can explain it to me.”
Mallory opened her mouth to reply, but she didn’t get the chance. One of the dogs barked and then, it was running through the restaurant – coming straight for them. Mallory screamed and fled. Jo watched in disbelief as Damon vaulted over the bar – just … vaulted, as if was nothing. At the same time, the dog skidded to a halt in front of her. Jo somehow knew that it meant her no harm.
She felt even more assured of that when Damon positioned himself between her and the dog and said, “Sorry about that. I promise you, she’s safe. She won’t harm you.”
He said it with such absolute confidence that she believed him. Still, she was a little stunned as she watched one of his friends lead the dog away.
“Hey.”
She turned back to him when she realized that he was still standing beside her – in fact, he’d taken a step closer. She had to tip her head back to look up at him. This was the first time that they’d been on the same side of the bar, and he was even taller than she’d realized.
“Are you okay?”
“I am. Thanks. I’m fine. I will be.” She looked around, wondering where Mallory had gotten to. “I need to check on my daughter.”
He met her gaze and held it. “Can I still get you that drink later? Say, seven thirty?”
She nodded. It seemed strange to make an appointment to come down to the bar, but she owed him even more after he’d leapt in to protect her just now. And she already knew that she’d want another drink later. Her gaze landed on Mallory, who was complaining loudly about the dog to the woman who, Jo believed, owned the place.
“I’ll be back later. I need to go and sort that out.”
“Good luck.”
“Thanks.” She blew out a sigh – she was going to need it!
~ ~ ~
“What are you doing back here on your night off?”
Damon smiled at Taryn through pursed lips. “Just here for a drink.”
She narrowed her eyes at him, and Dalton laughed beside her. “You mean that you’re here to follow up on what Echo tried to help you with earlier?”
He grinned. “I guess I do.”
Taryn gave them both a puzzled look, but Dalton wrapped his arm around her and pulled her against him. He ducked his head as if to kiss her but swerved away at the last moment and grinned at Damon.
“Make a break for it while I distract her.”
Damon laughed at the way Taryn batted at Dalton to get off her, but he did as he’d told him and walked out to the front of the restaurant. It’d be better to meet Jo out there and avoid Taryn subjecting them to twenty questions.
He was still surprised at himself for asking Jo to meet him for a drink like this. He hadn’t been on a date in years. He’d been joking with Lucky and Dalton earlier – asking if they’d ask Echo to do some matchmaking for him – and not five minutes later, Echo had come flying into the bar and stopped at Jo’s feet. Damon didn’t know what to make of that – but he did know that he wasn’t going to waste the opportunity.
Jo had caught his attention the first time she came into the bar on Friday afternoon. There was just something about her. She was warm and funny and … he didn’t know how to describe it, but he felt drawn to her.
After he’d met her daughter, he felt protective of her, too. He’d assumed that Jo would be leaving tonight, as most of the guests did, but when he discovered that she wasn’t, he’d decided to take a chance and ask her out.
He smiled when he saw her hurrying down the hallway from the hotel lobby. Her stride faltered when she spotted him.
“Oh! I … is this right? Are you leaving?” She checked her watch, looking flustered.
He strode to meet her. “No. I’m not going anywhere – not without you, anyway.”
She gave him a puzzled look. “Are you just starting your shift? Am I making you late? We’d better get in there.”
He cocked his head to the side not understanding. “My shift?”
“Yes.” Now, she looked confused. “I’m sorry. I think I have this wrong. You look like you’re ready to leave. I thought you were working.”
“I’m not working. Sunday is my night off. And I am ready to leave – I thought we could go over to the wine bar – have you been there?”
Her cheeks turned bright red. “I don’t understand.”
He chuckled. “Help me out – what don’t you understand?”
“I thought I was coming to see you while you were working.”
He stared at her. Shit. She thought he’d invited her back for a drink as a customer?
“Is that the only reason that you said yes?”
She met his gaze and held it. “I … uh …”
She looked so uncomfortable that he let her off the hook. “Okay. So, we had a bit of a misunderstanding. But here we are, so … would you like to go for a drink with me? It’s my night off, you see.”
She still looked confused, but after a few moments, she smiled. “I would, thank you. I’d like that a lot.”
He chuckled and offered her his arm. “Then come, let me introduce you to life in Summer Lake.”
A sense of ease crept over him when she slipped her arm through his and smiled up at him.
“I haven’t been here for long myself, but I can tell you that it’s way more than just some small town in the boonies.”
Her cheeks flushed. “You heard what Mallory said?”
“I did.” He squeezed her arm. “Yeah, sorry about that but it was hard not to. I just want to say one thing, then I’ll let it go.”
“What’s that?”
He smiled. “I’m proud of you. I don’t really know you, and it’s none of my business, but from what I heard, you’re standing your ground, and starting a new life – that takes guts.” He gave her a rueful smile. “I know because I’ve been there, too. I admire your strength.”
“Thanks.”
He couldn’t read the look on her face, so he let it go. They were through the lobby and out in the plaza now.
“Anyway, let’s go get that drink.”
When she smiled at him, he felt something settle inside him. He didn’t know what it was about her that made him feel so … at ease, but he was hoping that he might get the chance to find out
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When Jo got back to her room in the lodge, she closed her eyes and threw her phone down on the bed. She really didn’t need this. She was supposed to be here to enjoy a break. Okay, so, retirement was way more than a break – but retirement felt like way too big of a deal to face it all in one go. So, she kept telling herself that this trip to Summer Lake was just a break.
She scowled at her phone when it beeped with another text. What she really needed was a break from her daughter. Why she’d thought that bringing Mallory out here for the weekend was a good idea was beyond her. She knew better.
She snatched her phone up. It was Sunday afternoon, and Mallory would have to leave in a little while. As much as she wanted to, she really shouldn’t just ignore her until she left.
Mallory: Meet me in the bar? We should talk before I leave.
Jo: I’ll be down there in a few minutes.
Of course, when she got down there, there was no sign of Mallory. Jo pulled up a seat at the bar. All she needed to do was get through the next hour or so. Then, her daughter would go back to her life in Orange County, and tomorrow, Jo would be able to make a start on settling into her new life here in Summer Lake.
“Hello again. What can I get you? Is it one for the road before you leave us?”
She felt a touch of heat in her cheeks when the bartender, Damon, came to her with a big smile on his face. He’d been so friendly every time she came into the bar. She needed to get over it. It was just that he was good at his job – and she’d been starved of attention for so long, that a flirty bartender made her feel special.
“I’ll take a G&T, heavy on the G.” She smiled. “Don’t worry. It isn’t for the road.”
He braced his hands on the edge of the bar and cocked his head to the side. He was a big man – huge. Even with the bar between them, he towered over her.
His eyes twinkled as he said, “Are you about to make my day and tell me that you’re not leaving us? You’re sticking around? That’s the best news I’ve had all weekend.”
She smiled through pursed lips. “I bet you say that to all the girls.”
“Nope. Just you.” He looked all around as if checking to see if anyone was listening before he leaned closer.
Jo automatically leaned in to hear what he had to say.
“Truth be told, I’m glad to see the back of some of them.”
She laughed. She wasn’t about to tell him – she felt awful even admitting it to herself – but she knew how he felt, she’d be glad to see the back of Mallory when she left.
He glanced over her shoulder, and his smile disappeared. “I’ll get you that G&T – and if you want to come back to see me tonight, after the crowds have departed, it’d be my pleasure to get you another.”
She nodded happily. If he wanted to drum up some business – and fill his tip jar on a quiet night, she’d be happy to oblige. It’d beat sitting stewing in her hotel room over whatever parting shots Mallory left her with.
“Mom.”
“Mallory.” She plastered a smile on her face as she turned to greet her daughter.
“I’ll need to get on the road shortly, but I wanted to see you before I go.”
“I’m glad. I know you’re not thrilled about me staying here, but I don’t want to leave things on a sour note between us. Let’s just enjoy half an hour together before you leave, can we?”
Mallory’s lips pressed into a thin line. “I can’t enjoy anything about this place. It’s …” she looked around “… it’s ridiculous to think that you might move here.”
As Jo sucked in a deep breath to steady herself, she noticed Damon slide her G&T across the bar. She shot him a grateful smile and took a drink before facing her daughter.
“I already have moved here, sweetheart. I’m going to look at the house tomorrow.”
“But you can still back out! You haven’t signed anything yet! Please, don’t do it! Come home!”
Jo took another slug of her drink – grateful that Damon had done as she’d asked and gone heavy on the gin.
“Where exactly are you calling home?”
“You know damn well where I mean! I mean our home! The home where I grew up! The home that Dad’s hoping that you’ll return to. And I’ll tell you something, you should take this chance – he’s not going to wait forever!”
Jo closed her eyes. “You mean the house that I moved out of more than a year ago? The house that he moved his secretary into two days after I left? I don’t know how many ways I can say this, sweetheart. I really don’t. I have no intention of going back to your father – ever. I’m not going to say anything else on the subject. I’m glad for you that you have a good relationship with him still – but I don’t, and I have no desire to.”
“Why won’t you get it through your head? He’s sorry. It’s over with Juliette. He wants you home. Coming out here to a little town in the boonies like this is ridiculous!”
“I don’t care if he’s sorry! I don’t care if his affair is over. All that matters to me is that the marriage is over. That’s what you need to get through your head – and your father does, too.”
“Why do you have to be so stubborn, Mom? This is no place for you! You should come home.” Mallory wasn’t exactly shouting, but her voice was raised.
Jo managed to rein herself in. This was pointless. She wasn’t going to convince Mallory of anything, and she had no desire to get into a screaming match with her – especially not here.
She glanced around, feeling embarrassed. Damon was chatting with two men sitting farther down the bar – they were the only ones who’d been disturbed by Mallory’s outburst. He gave her a reassuring smile, which she appreciated.
Even if all he was doing was earning his tips, she didn’t care. He was the most supportive presence she’d had in her life in a long time.
He and the two men he was with turned when a woman called from the entrance, “Hey guys, we’ll meet you out on the terrace.”
The woman had a friend with her, and they each had a dog on a leash. Jo had always wanted a dog. Just as she was wondering if getting a dog was finally going to be possible for her, Mallory interrupted her thoughts.
“You’re not even listening to me, are you? I can see why Dad –”
No. That was too much. Jo had taken as much as she was going to. “Why he what, Mallory?” she snapped. “Why he started sleeping with his secretary? Why he threw away thirty years of marriage? Tell me what exactly it is that you can see – and then, maybe you can explain it to me.”
Mallory opened her mouth to reply, but she didn’t get the chance. One of the dogs barked and then, it was running through the restaurant – coming straight for them. Mallory screamed and fled. Jo watched in disbelief as Damon vaulted over the bar – just … vaulted, as if was nothing. At the same time, the dog skidded to a halt in front of her. Jo somehow knew that it meant her no harm.
She felt even more assured of that when Damon positioned himself between her and the dog and said, “Sorry about that. I promise you, she’s safe. She won’t harm you.”
He said it with such absolute confidence that she believed him. Still, she was a little stunned as she watched one of his friends lead the dog away.
“Hey.”
She turned back to him when she realized that he was still standing beside her – in fact, he’d taken a step closer. She had to tip her head back to look up at him. This was the first time that they’d been on the same side of the bar, and he was even taller than she’d realized.
“Are you okay?”
“I am. Thanks. I’m fine. I will be.” She looked around, wondering where Mallory had gotten to. “I need to check on my daughter.”
He met her gaze and held it. “Can I still get you that drink later? Say, seven thirty?”
She nodded. It seemed strange to make an appointment to come down to the bar, but she owed him even more after he’d leapt in to protect her just now. And she already knew that she’d want another drink later. Her gaze landed on Mallory, who was complaining loudly about the dog to the woman who, Jo believed, owned the place.
“I’ll be back later. I need to go and sort that out.”
“Good luck.”
“Thanks.” She blew out a sigh – she was going to need it!
~ ~ ~
“What are you doing back here on your night off?”
Damon smiled at Taryn through pursed lips. “Just here for a drink.”
She narrowed her eyes at him, and Dalton laughed beside her. “You mean that you’re here to follow up on what Echo tried to help you with earlier?”
He grinned. “I guess I do.”
Taryn gave them both a puzzled look, but Dalton wrapped his arm around her and pulled her against him. He ducked his head as if to kiss her but swerved away at the last moment and grinned at Damon.
“Make a break for it while I distract her.”
Damon laughed at the way Taryn batted at Dalton to get off her, but he did as he’d told him and walked out to the front of the restaurant. It’d be better to meet Jo out there and avoid Taryn subjecting them to twenty questions.
He was still surprised at himself for asking Jo to meet him for a drink like this. He hadn’t been on a date in years. He’d been joking with Lucky and Dalton earlier – asking if they’d ask Echo to do some matchmaking for him – and not five minutes later, Echo had come flying into the bar and stopped at Jo’s feet. Damon didn’t know what to make of that – but he did know that he wasn’t going to waste the opportunity.
Jo had caught his attention the first time she came into the bar on Friday afternoon. There was just something about her. She was warm and funny and … he didn’t know how to describe it, but he felt drawn to her.
After he’d met her daughter, he felt protective of her, too. He’d assumed that Jo would be leaving tonight, as most of the guests did, but when he discovered that she wasn’t, he’d decided to take a chance and ask her out.
He smiled when he saw her hurrying down the hallway from the hotel lobby. Her stride faltered when she spotted him.
“Oh! I … is this right? Are you leaving?” She checked her watch, looking flustered.
He strode to meet her. “No. I’m not going anywhere – not without you, anyway.”
She gave him a puzzled look. “Are you just starting your shift? Am I making you late? We’d better get in there.”
He cocked his head to the side not understanding. “My shift?”
“Yes.” Now, she looked confused. “I’m sorry. I think I have this wrong. You look like you’re ready to leave. I thought you were working.”
“I’m not working. Sunday is my night off. And I am ready to leave – I thought we could go over to the wine bar – have you been there?”
Her cheeks turned bright red. “I don’t understand.”
He chuckled. “Help me out – what don’t you understand?”
“I thought I was coming to see you while you were working.”
He stared at her. Shit. She thought he’d invited her back for a drink as a customer?
“Is that the only reason that you said yes?”
She met his gaze and held it. “I … uh …”
She looked so uncomfortable that he let her off the hook. “Okay. So, we had a bit of a misunderstanding. But here we are, so … would you like to go for a drink with me? It’s my night off, you see.”
She still looked confused, but after a few moments, she smiled. “I would, thank you. I’d like that a lot.”
He chuckled and offered her his arm. “Then come, let me introduce you to life in Summer Lake.”
A sense of ease crept over him when she slipped her arm through his and smiled up at him.
“I haven’t been here for long myself, but I can tell you that it’s way more than just some small town in the boonies.”
Her cheeks flushed. “You heard what Mallory said?”
“I did.” He squeezed her arm. “Yeah, sorry about that but it was hard not to. I just want to say one thing, then I’ll let it go.”
“What’s that?”
He smiled. “I’m proud of you. I don’t really know you, and it’s none of my business, but from what I heard, you’re standing your ground, and starting a new life – that takes guts.” He gave her a rueful smile. “I know because I’ve been there, too. I admire your strength.”
“Thanks.”
He couldn’t read the look on her face, so he let it go. They were through the lobby and out in the plaza now.
“Anyway, let’s go get that drink.”
When she smiled at him, he felt something settle inside him. He didn’t know what it was about her that made him feel so … at ease, but he was hoping that he might get the chance to find out
Get it early and at a discount from SJMcCoyBooks.com
Preorder from the retailers - for release on Friday January 26.
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