Semper Fitz

 

 

Semper Fitz

by Aurora Russell

GENRE:   Romance (Billionaire, Men in Uniform, Contemporary)

He’s always strong, always faithful…but will he be always hers?

Pregnant, alone and temporarily staying at her family’s cabin in northern Minnesota, Clara Olafson is determined to overcome the hurt of her recent past and build a good life for herself and her child. The last thing she expects to find on her morning walk through the state forest nearby is an unconscious and injured former Marine.

Colin ‘Fitz’ Fitzhugh might have initially joined the Corps to prove that he was more than just a wealthy playboy, but he grew to love the brotherhood and purpose he found there—until his last mission in Afghanistan cost the life of one of his men and left him badly scarred in body and mind. Hoping to shed some of his pain and guilt alone in the wilderness, instead he finds a feisty, pregnant angel.

Sparks fly as sassy Clara nurses the gruff and mysterious Fitz back to health, but the happiness and peace they both begin to find in the little cabin is shattered when Clara faces a health emergency. When Fitz reluctantly chooses to return to the wealth and privilege of his family in order to save her and the baby, he plunges them all into a glittering society that Clara doesn’t know if she likes. But Fitz might just prove to her that, whether he’s being a billionaire philanthropist or a sudden stand-in dad, he’s always hers.

Excerpt:

Even though the sandwich must still be practically molten, and she could hear how crisply burned it was from the sound of his chewing, he choked down one large piece with every sign of enjoyment. A few crumbs formed a black, dusty mustache on his upper lip. 

“Delicious,” he pronounced, and put the remainder of the half he’d managed to pry off the pan into his mouth. Something thawed then melted in the region of her heart when he swallowed that, too, and reached for the rest. It stuck there stubbornly, glued to the pan, in spite of Fitz’s valiant efforts. 

Their eyes met, and his were determined and kind as he tried to work the piece free to no avail.

“I, ah, think I need a spatula,” he finally admitted. 

Like a wave rising up and breaking on the shore, amusement filled her from her toes to her chest, finally spilling out as a peal of laughter, continuing into a wheezing laugh. Fitz laughed as well, the sound rusty as though he were out of practice. 

“They’re horrible,” she gasped between laughs. “Admit it. They’re like charcoal.” 

“I will never say that,” he answered diplomatically, setting her laughter off harder.

“Okay, you don’t have to say it,” she panted out. “But that doesn’t mean it isn’t true. Now, I’m going to put the remains of these truly sad sandwiches out of their misery and set this pan to soak. We’ll eat something else.” 

When she went to scrape the charred remains off the pan into the trash can, the hard, callused surface of Fitz’s hand over hers stopped her.

About the Author:

Aurora is originally from the frozen tundra of the upper-Midwest (ok, not frozen all the time!) but now loves living in New England with her real-life hero/husband, two wonderfully silly sons, and one of the most extraordinary cats she has ever had the pleasure to meet. But she still goes back to the Midwest to visit, just never in January. She doesn't remember a time that she didn't love to read, and has been writing stories since she learned how to hold a pencil. She has always liked the romantic scenes best in every book, story, and movie, so one day she decided to try her hand at writing her own romantic fiction, which changed her life in all the best ways.

Q&A With the Author

When did you first consider yourself to be a writer?

First of all, thank you so much to Literary Gold for having me!

Great question! I suppose that when my first-grade teacher bound my very first book, which was probably about six pages long, with cardboard and contact paper, I was certain I was a Writer (capital W is deliberate!). I guess I always thought of myself as a writer, but when I finished writing my first novel, it felt real…and the feeling when my first novella was published by a real publisher was incredible!

What advice do you have for a new writer?

This is advice that my dad and Stephen King have both given as well, so I can’t take credit, but I would tell all new writers to just make sure to write, if not every day, then as often as possible. The only way to finish your stories is to write them! Also, truly, writing consistently is the best way to improve your craft.

What is the easiest part of the writing process for you?

Oh, ideas, for sure! I have countless documents of ideas, and stories with a few pages. The hard part is narrowing in on one idea and sticking with it, letting it grow into a complete novel.

What is your favorite part of this story?

I really love the two main characters, Fitz and Clara. I think that both of them have gone through pain in the past, Fitz with his injury and losing one of the men in his unit, and Clara with a devastating break-up that causes her to face having and raising a baby alone. Both of them have remained strong and caring, though, and I just loved giving them sassy, funny dialogue, as well as a happy ending!

Which Character was the most fun to write about? Why? 

Fitz and Clara are both awesome, but since I already described them, I will say that I also really had fun with Pat and Roger, Fitz’s grandfather and his butler. Pat is just so pushy but loving, and Roger is a long-time family employee and friend. The two of them together are a hoot! Watch for more of them in Book 2 of the Minne-sorta Falling in Love series, Mac of All Trades.

Which Character was the hardest to write about? Why?

The hardest scene to write was probably the one with the Larsons, the parents of the young Marine who was killed. They are warm and lovely, but it was challenging to find exactly the right tone. I’m really proud of how that scene turned out!

Find out more about Aurora, upcoming releases, and news at https://aurorarussellauthor.wordpress.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/arussellromance/

Twitter: www.twitter.com/arussellromance

Buy Links:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09LVH89TG/

B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/semper-fitz-aurora-russell/1140570733?ean=9781839435645 

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/semper-fitz-1 

First for Romance: https://www.firstforromance.com/book/semper-fitz 

GIVEAWAY

Aurora Russell will be awarding a $25 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway