Luke Hamill: Before Faithful Falls
Faithful Falls Prequel
by Elle Linder
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Semper Fi and honor above all else
Luke Hamill, staunch in his convictions, is a family man who will go to any length to preserve his marriage, even leave his beloved Marines. After his final tour of duty, his life is upended by the two people he trusted most. Now, a new course is set, one that takes him to Faithful Falls, Idaho.
In this prequel to Stay With Me, Julia, discover what drove Luke to leave all that he knows, and discover Faithful Falls. Even though the road ahead is bumpy, it leads Luke to abundant love and a strong community beyond the horizon. Meet some friendly, unique locals and get comfy in the little tourist town, where those destined to together prove love is stronger than any obstacles life throws their way.
**Get it FREE!!**
Add to Goodreads
Amazon * Apple * B&N * Kobo
Luke Hamill, staunch in his convictions, is a family man who will go to any length to preserve his marriage, even leave his beloved Marines. After his final tour of duty, his life is upended by the two people he trusted most. Now, a new course is set, one that takes him to Faithful Falls, Idaho.
In this prequel to Stay With Me, Julia, discover what drove Luke to leave all that he knows, and discover Faithful Falls. Even though the road ahead is bumpy, it leads Luke to abundant love and a strong community beyond the horizon. Meet some friendly, unique locals and get comfy in the little tourist town, where those destined to together prove love is stronger than any obstacles life throws their way.
**Get it FREE!!**
Add to Goodreads
Amazon * Apple * B&N * Kobo
Luke shoved his cell phone in his pocket, ready to burst into a million pieces of fiery frustration. The culprit, same as always, was Renee. Her calls never came at a good time, just like now, minutes before he was to greet Becky’s niece, Julia Greene.
But did Renee care?
Not in the least.
Luke furiously marched up to the lodge, inhaling the frigid winter air. It did nothing to cool him down. He entered the quiet lobby, scanning from right to left.
The pressure of measuring up was on him. The last five days had been a challenge, but one that he felt he had conquered. So why did Becky’s niece have to come up to Idaho?
But did Renee care?
Not in the least.
Luke furiously marched up to the lodge, inhaling the frigid winter air. It did nothing to cool him down. He entered the quiet lobby, scanning from right to left.
The pressure of measuring up was on him. The last five days had been a challenge, but one that he felt he had conquered. So why did Becky’s niece have to come up to Idaho?
Stay With Me, Julia
Faithful Falls Book 1
She is only to be in Idaho for three months.
Her task is simple: run the lakeside resort in her aunt’s absence and return to her life in Los Angeles.
Easy. Or maybe not.
Ruggedly handsome Luke Hamill—Brook Trout Resort’s grounds manager—instantly piques her interest. A former Marine and divorced father of two, Luke introduces Julia to small town living and a passionate love like she’s never known. The mountain man is the total package: tender, strong, sexy, and honorable. He could be everything Julia wants… except for his problematic and meddling ex-wife.
Julia is smart, sensible, and irresistible, and she immediately captures Luke’s heart with her playful tenderness and saucy independence. Now he can’t imagine his life without her.
As Julia’s departure nears, Luke’s mission is clear: show her their love can conquer anything life throws their way.
Can Julia embrace her feelings for Luke, and will they be enough to keep her in Faithful Falls? Or will the challenges of a blended family make her abandon it all and head back to Southern California?
Stay With Me, Julia, is the first book in the Faithful Falls series, where those destined to be together prove love is stronger than the obstacles threatening to tear them apart.
**Only .99 cents until 4/23!!**
Add to Goodreads
Amazon * Apple * B&N * Kobo
Her task is simple: run the lakeside resort in her aunt’s absence and return to her life in Los Angeles.
Easy. Or maybe not.
Ruggedly handsome Luke Hamill—Brook Trout Resort’s grounds manager—instantly piques her interest. A former Marine and divorced father of two, Luke introduces Julia to small town living and a passionate love like she’s never known. The mountain man is the total package: tender, strong, sexy, and honorable. He could be everything Julia wants… except for his problematic and meddling ex-wife.
Julia is smart, sensible, and irresistible, and she immediately captures Luke’s heart with her playful tenderness and saucy independence. Now he can’t imagine his life without her.
As Julia’s departure nears, Luke’s mission is clear: show her their love can conquer anything life throws their way.
Can Julia embrace her feelings for Luke, and will they be enough to keep her in Faithful Falls? Or will the challenges of a blended family make her abandon it all and head back to Southern California?
Stay With Me, Julia, is the first book in the Faithful Falls series, where those destined to be together prove love is stronger than the obstacles threatening to tear them apart.
**Only .99 cents until 4/23!!**
Add to Goodreads
Amazon * Apple * B&N * Kobo
“Wait! Oh, no…he’s holding an employee badge.”
“What does it say?”
“Luke Hamill, Brook Trout Resort, Grounds Manager…crap!” Julia reached for the fob again and turned off the alarm. “I’m an idiot.”
“No, you’re not. He shouldn’t have banged on your window—jerk! Doesn’t he know shit like that scares the bejeezus out of women?”
Julia didn’t answer, staring at the hulk-like man with angry, squinty eyes beneath furrowed brows. His fiery gaze locked on hers as if she had just eaten the last slice of bacon straight off his plate. Terror filled her, looking at the black hair covering his face. The forceful tapping on the door handle continued. She hesitated but unlocked the door despite her racing heart, and it flung open.
“What does it say?”
“Luke Hamill, Brook Trout Resort, Grounds Manager…crap!” Julia reached for the fob again and turned off the alarm. “I’m an idiot.”
“No, you’re not. He shouldn’t have banged on your window—jerk! Doesn’t he know shit like that scares the bejeezus out of women?”
Julia didn’t answer, staring at the hulk-like man with angry, squinty eyes beneath furrowed brows. His fiery gaze locked on hers as if she had just eaten the last slice of bacon straight off his plate. Terror filled her, looking at the black hair covering his face. The forceful tapping on the door handle continued. She hesitated but unlocked the door despite her racing heart, and it flung open.
Love Me, Lauren
Faithful Falls Book 2
She wants more than a one-night stand.
Lauren, a fiercely independent woman, is afraid to commit. Still, she secretly desires to fall in love.
Could it be that simple?
Enter Rick, ex-Marine and single dad, who is looking for a fresh start in Faithful Falls. He has big plans to open a brewery, and no time for love. When he crosses paths with Lauren, her formidable lure is irritating yet irresistible, and sparks fly.
Unexpectedly, Lauren is rattled when her past collides with her present, exposing her fears and insecurities. Once the truth is revealed, it may destroy Rick’s plans, her dreams, and their future.
Can they find the courage to face down Lauren's demons together and ignite the fire and passion that leads them to their HEA?
Love Me, Lauren is the second book in the Faithful Falls series. Reconnect with Luke and Julia and the quirky characters of this little Idaho tourist town.
Get this sizzling book NOW.
Goodreads * Amazon
Lauren, a fiercely independent woman, is afraid to commit. Still, she secretly desires to fall in love.
Could it be that simple?
Enter Rick, ex-Marine and single dad, who is looking for a fresh start in Faithful Falls. He has big plans to open a brewery, and no time for love. When he crosses paths with Lauren, her formidable lure is irritating yet irresistible, and sparks fly.
Unexpectedly, Lauren is rattled when her past collides with her present, exposing her fears and insecurities. Once the truth is revealed, it may destroy Rick’s plans, her dreams, and their future.
Can they find the courage to face down Lauren's demons together and ignite the fire and passion that leads them to their HEA?
Love Me, Lauren is the second book in the Faithful Falls series. Reconnect with Luke and Julia and the quirky characters of this little Idaho tourist town.
Get this sizzling book NOW.
Goodreads * Amazon
Loneliness and vodka were a wicked combination, notorious for leading Lauren into a valley of bad choices. Loneliness made her stir crazy while vodka, as it did for many, numbed her emotions. Put the two together in a nightclub with strobing lights, gyrating bodies, and Lady Gaga belting out “Poker Face” and it could only mean one thing: one-night stand.
Lauren blinked her eyes open. The warm hand on her thigh repulsed her as she lay still and tried to decide how to deal with it. Why hadn’t some science geek invented time travel? Probably for the same reason she never learned moderation; it simply did not exist in her lifetime.
As she tried to roll out of bed without waking her bedmate, her long hair stopped her. She tugged on it firmly but carefully to not stir the naked man. This was the first time in her life she wished she had a pixie cut. Better yet, a shaved head.
Mr. Hands groaned, turning toward the window and away from Lauren. She froze, sending up a silent prayer of thanks to anyone listening that he didn’t wake up.
Continuing her escape, she slipped off the bed and tiptoed out of the bedroom, softly closing the door behind her. A shiver of disgust rippled through her, the cold air hitting her bare body making the entire situation worse. She ducked into her bathroom and pulled her bathrobe off the back of the door, slipping it on and tying a firm knot with the belt.
What have I done?
Lauren blinked her eyes open. The warm hand on her thigh repulsed her as she lay still and tried to decide how to deal with it. Why hadn’t some science geek invented time travel? Probably for the same reason she never learned moderation; it simply did not exist in her lifetime.
As she tried to roll out of bed without waking her bedmate, her long hair stopped her. She tugged on it firmly but carefully to not stir the naked man. This was the first time in her life she wished she had a pixie cut. Better yet, a shaved head.
Mr. Hands groaned, turning toward the window and away from Lauren. She froze, sending up a silent prayer of thanks to anyone listening that he didn’t wake up.
Continuing her escape, she slipped off the bed and tiptoed out of the bedroom, softly closing the door behind her. A shiver of disgust rippled through her, the cold air hitting her bare body making the entire situation worse. She ducked into her bathroom and pulled her bathrobe off the back of the door, slipping it on and tying a firm knot with the belt.
What have I done?
Elle lives in NW Minnesota (or the Frozen Tundra, as she likes to call it) with her family. She has lived in all four corners of the U.S., and as a native California country girl, her heart yearns for the Pacific Coast. The One That Matters is Elle's first novel.
Elle is currently wrapping up several novels in the Faithful Falls series, which include:
Love Me, Lauren
Trust Me, Tiffani
Choose Me, Erika
Forgive Me, Kandace
To find out more about Elle's published books, future books, biography, and other information, visit her website and be sure to sign up for her newsletter while your there to stay up to date on her book releases and to participate in special promotions and giveaways.
Website * Facebook * FB Group * Twitter * Instagram
Pinterest * Bookbub * Amazon * Goodreads
Elle is currently wrapping up several novels in the Faithful Falls series, which include:
Love Me, Lauren
Trust Me, Tiffani
Choose Me, Erika
Forgive Me, Kandace
To find out more about Elle's published books, future books, biography, and other information, visit her website and be sure to sign up for her newsletter while your there to stay up to date on her book releases and to participate in special promotions and giveaways.
Website * Facebook * FB Group * Twitter * Instagram
Pinterest * Bookbub * Amazon * Goodreads
Where were you born/grew up at?
I was born and raised in California among the dairies and orchards of the Central Valley. It was a great place to be a kid with beaches and mountains all within two hours of my home. Though I didn’t live in Southern California, I had relatives there and visited the area frequently.
What do you do to unwind and relax?
I like to jam to music while drinking wine or spend a weekend binge reading or watching a favorite TV show like Arrow or Lucifer.
Which of your novels can you imagine made into a movie?
I think my novella, Redemptive Love, would be an excellent movie! It’s a gritty, second-chance romance about inherited double-standards. Joseph and Kate are both Latinos who grew up in families where boys and girls were treated differently. They were high school sweethearts who broke up after a betrayal. Ten years later their paths cross again, and they attempt to reconnect. When ugly truths from their past are uncovered, the only way they’ll get a second chance at love is if they can forgive each other.
When did you first consider yourself a writer?
I received an honorable mention for short story that I submitted for a Writer’s Digest contest a couple years ago (2017, I think). It was a validating and proud moment for me. At that moment, I really felt like I accomplished something as a writer and that this could really go somewhere.
What can we expect from you in the future?
Oh, I have lots in store for my readers. For the Faithful Falls series, I’m writing a wedding and Christmas novella to release at the end of summer, early fall. There are several other planned stories in the series. I’m also working on a new Romantic Suspense family saga and New Adult college romance series.
Do your characters seem to hijack the story or do you feel like you have the reigns of the story?
My characters are notorious for hijacking the story. They’re very real and through dialogue the story has changed more times than I can count. I’ll be typing away and before I know it, the story is heading in a different direction and I’m stunned. And sometimes frustrated. Haha!
What did you enjoy most about writing this book?
I love so many things about creating my story, but I had the most fun crafting the small town of Faithful Falls. Between quirky and interesting characters, the history among the locals and some scandal, it grew into my dream escape. Honestly, I want to move to Faithful Falls.
If your book had a candle, what scent would it be?
Mmm, huckleberry!
Did you learn anything during the writing of your recent book?
Yes. I spent some time researching blended families and issues relating to dating a single dad. My main character is an independent woman who’s never been married. Falling for Luke, a divorced single dad brings a lot of challenges for Julia. The biggest is dealing with his ex-wife. Since I’m not experienced in this kind of situation, I read up on the subject and spoke to a few blended families so I could do them justice in writing this story.
Do the characters all come to you at the same time or do some of them come to you as you write?
I know who my main characters are before I begin writing the story. The secondary characters trickle out as the story develops but never all at once. As the story develops, I build profile sheets with pictures and character traits. The characters become more developed, more real as I write. I get to know them so well, they become my extended family.
Do you read yourself and if so what is your favorite genre?
I love to read romance! Unfortunately, I don’t get to read as much as I did before I became a writer. I’m that person who would devour a book in a day and complete a series as fast as possible. Sometimes, after I finish writing a book, I’ll take a few days to catch up on some reading—read that as “binging!”
Do you prefer to write in silence or with noise? Why?
I need music when I’m writing. As I begin a new story, I create a playlist of songs that fits the mood of the story. Each song is selected based on the personality of the characters and specific scenes they are in. Making the playlist helps to put me into the story, even after I’ve left it to write in a different book. Now, editing is another story. I need silence so I can focus while doing rewrites or digging deeper into a scene or developing the characters more.
Do you write one book at a time or do you have several going at a time?
I always have four or five books in various stages of development at one time and others drifting around in my head. Sometimes I’m even jotting down ideas as they come to me. I hop around a lot!
What are they currently reading?
It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover, but I just finished…The Deal by Elle Kennedy.
What is your writing process? For instance do you do an outline first? Do you do the chapters first?
In the writing community, I’d be referred to as sort of a hybrid-panster, meaning I just write as it comes without any plotting. I have the idea, my main character’s names and the main plot, then I run with it. Right after the climax, I do a little plotting and fill in some gaps as I wrap up the story—hybrid-panster.
What is your writing Kryptonite?
Social media—it’s a time suck. When I’m jiving on a story, I need to avoid it at all costs so I don’t lose my story rhythm. All my stories come in massive waves that keep me constantly writing for several days. When it finally slows down, I can play on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram a bit and work on my social media graphics a little. It’s important, but it isn’t something I really enjoy...I’d rather be writing!
How long on average does it take you to write a book?
On average, it takes me 6-8 weeks to write a book from start to finish and then I send it off to my editor. The editing and proofreading process takes an additional four weeks, and throw in some beta reads...so all in all, about three months to complete a book start to publication.
Do you believe in writer’s block?
I hear about writer’s block a lot from fellow authors, so I believe it’s a real thing. But I haven’t experienced it. I don’t know what I’d do if I had to deal with true “writer’s block.”
I was born and raised in California among the dairies and orchards of the Central Valley. It was a great place to be a kid with beaches and mountains all within two hours of my home. Though I didn’t live in Southern California, I had relatives there and visited the area frequently.
What do you do to unwind and relax?
I like to jam to music while drinking wine or spend a weekend binge reading or watching a favorite TV show like Arrow or Lucifer.
Which of your novels can you imagine made into a movie?
I think my novella, Redemptive Love, would be an excellent movie! It’s a gritty, second-chance romance about inherited double-standards. Joseph and Kate are both Latinos who grew up in families where boys and girls were treated differently. They were high school sweethearts who broke up after a betrayal. Ten years later their paths cross again, and they attempt to reconnect. When ugly truths from their past are uncovered, the only way they’ll get a second chance at love is if they can forgive each other.
When did you first consider yourself a writer?
I received an honorable mention for short story that I submitted for a Writer’s Digest contest a couple years ago (2017, I think). It was a validating and proud moment for me. At that moment, I really felt like I accomplished something as a writer and that this could really go somewhere.
What can we expect from you in the future?
Oh, I have lots in store for my readers. For the Faithful Falls series, I’m writing a wedding and Christmas novella to release at the end of summer, early fall. There are several other planned stories in the series. I’m also working on a new Romantic Suspense family saga and New Adult college romance series.
Do your characters seem to hijack the story or do you feel like you have the reigns of the story?
My characters are notorious for hijacking the story. They’re very real and through dialogue the story has changed more times than I can count. I’ll be typing away and before I know it, the story is heading in a different direction and I’m stunned. And sometimes frustrated. Haha!
What did you enjoy most about writing this book?
I love so many things about creating my story, but I had the most fun crafting the small town of Faithful Falls. Between quirky and interesting characters, the history among the locals and some scandal, it grew into my dream escape. Honestly, I want to move to Faithful Falls.
If your book had a candle, what scent would it be?
Mmm, huckleberry!
Did you learn anything during the writing of your recent book?
Yes. I spent some time researching blended families and issues relating to dating a single dad. My main character is an independent woman who’s never been married. Falling for Luke, a divorced single dad brings a lot of challenges for Julia. The biggest is dealing with his ex-wife. Since I’m not experienced in this kind of situation, I read up on the subject and spoke to a few blended families so I could do them justice in writing this story.
Do the characters all come to you at the same time or do some of them come to you as you write?
I know who my main characters are before I begin writing the story. The secondary characters trickle out as the story develops but never all at once. As the story develops, I build profile sheets with pictures and character traits. The characters become more developed, more real as I write. I get to know them so well, they become my extended family.
Do you read yourself and if so what is your favorite genre?
I love to read romance! Unfortunately, I don’t get to read as much as I did before I became a writer. I’m that person who would devour a book in a day and complete a series as fast as possible. Sometimes, after I finish writing a book, I’ll take a few days to catch up on some reading—read that as “binging!”
Do you prefer to write in silence or with noise? Why?
I need music when I’m writing. As I begin a new story, I create a playlist of songs that fits the mood of the story. Each song is selected based on the personality of the characters and specific scenes they are in. Making the playlist helps to put me into the story, even after I’ve left it to write in a different book. Now, editing is another story. I need silence so I can focus while doing rewrites or digging deeper into a scene or developing the characters more.
Do you write one book at a time or do you have several going at a time?
I always have four or five books in various stages of development at one time and others drifting around in my head. Sometimes I’m even jotting down ideas as they come to me. I hop around a lot!
What are they currently reading?
It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover, but I just finished…The Deal by Elle Kennedy.
What is your writing process? For instance do you do an outline first? Do you do the chapters first?
In the writing community, I’d be referred to as sort of a hybrid-panster, meaning I just write as it comes without any plotting. I have the idea, my main character’s names and the main plot, then I run with it. Right after the climax, I do a little plotting and fill in some gaps as I wrap up the story—hybrid-panster.
What is your writing Kryptonite?
Social media—it’s a time suck. When I’m jiving on a story, I need to avoid it at all costs so I don’t lose my story rhythm. All my stories come in massive waves that keep me constantly writing for several days. When it finally slows down, I can play on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram a bit and work on my social media graphics a little. It’s important, but it isn’t something I really enjoy...I’d rather be writing!
How long on average does it take you to write a book?
On average, it takes me 6-8 weeks to write a book from start to finish and then I send it off to my editor. The editing and proofreading process takes an additional four weeks, and throw in some beta reads...so all in all, about three months to complete a book start to publication.
Do you believe in writer’s block?
I hear about writer’s block a lot from fellow authors, so I believe it’s a real thing. But I haven’t experienced it. I don’t know what I’d do if I had to deal with true “writer’s block.”
Follow the tour HERE for exclusive excerpts, guest posts and a giveaway!
Apr 21
kickoff at Silver Dagger Book Tours
Lock That Door
Apr 22
nanasbookreviews
Readeropolis – GUEST POST
Apr 23
Romance Novel Giveaways
3 Partners in Shopping, Nana, Mommy, &, Sissy, Too!
Apr 24
What Is That Book About
Sapphyria's Book Reviews
Apr 25
Literary Gold
2 chicks and a book
Apr 26
A Mama's Corner of the World
Bedazzled By Books
Apr 27
Better Read Than Undead
Books a Plenty Book Reviews
Apr 28
Books all things paranormal and romance
books are love
Apr 29
Anna del C. Dye official page
Bookarella
Apr 30
Always Love Me Some Books Blog
Book Review Virginia Lee
May 1
Bookish Reviews
Rita's Reading Room
May 2
E-Romance News
Book-Lover
May 3
Tome Tender
A Modern Day Fairy Tale
May 4
Maggie Blackbird – GUEST POST
Books, Authors, Blogs
May 5
Craving Lovely Books
Dragon's Den
May 6
Breanna Hayse Romance
From Head To Tale
May 7
The FlipSide of Julianne – GUEST POST
Girl with Pen
May 8
Lilly's Book World – REVIEW PREQUEL & #1
Luv Saving Money
May 9
Inside the Insanity – GUEST POST
Maiden of the Pages– GUEST POST
May 10
Midnight Book Reader
Momma Says: To Read or Not to Read
May 11
Paranormal Palace of Pleasures
A Pinch of Bookdust
May 12
Nicole's Book Musings
Valerie Ullmer | Romance Author
May 13
My Chaotic Ramblings
Scrupulous Dreams
May 14
Paranormal Romance Trance
Sylv.net
May 15
eBook Addicts
Stormy Nights Reviewing & Bloggin'
May 16
Viviana MacKade – GUEST POST
Lisa Book Blog
May 17
T's Stuff
Triquetra Reviews
May 18
All the Ups and Downs – GUEST POST
JB's Bookworms with Brandy Mulder
May 19
Jazzy Book Reviews
Tracie’s World of Books
May 20
Twisted Book Ramblings
Yearwood La Novela
May 21
Teatime and Books
The Book Dragon
Apr 21
kickoff at Silver Dagger Book Tours
Lock That Door
Apr 22
nanasbookreviews
Readeropolis – GUEST POST
Apr 23
Romance Novel Giveaways
3 Partners in Shopping, Nana, Mommy, &, Sissy, Too!
Apr 24
What Is That Book About
Sapphyria's Book Reviews
Apr 25
Literary Gold
2 chicks and a book
Apr 26
A Mama's Corner of the World
Bedazzled By Books
Apr 27
Better Read Than Undead
Books a Plenty Book Reviews
Apr 28
Books all things paranormal and romance
books are love
Apr 29
Anna del C. Dye official page
Bookarella
Apr 30
Always Love Me Some Books Blog
Book Review Virginia Lee
May 1
Bookish Reviews
Rita's Reading Room
May 2
E-Romance News
Book-Lover
May 3
Tome Tender
A Modern Day Fairy Tale
May 4
Maggie Blackbird – GUEST POST
Books, Authors, Blogs
May 5
Craving Lovely Books
Dragon's Den
May 6
Breanna Hayse Romance
From Head To Tale
May 7
The FlipSide of Julianne – GUEST POST
Girl with Pen
May 8
Lilly's Book World – REVIEW PREQUEL & #1
Luv Saving Money
May 9
Inside the Insanity – GUEST POST
Maiden of the Pages– GUEST POST
May 10
Midnight Book Reader
Momma Says: To Read or Not to Read
May 11
Paranormal Palace of Pleasures
A Pinch of Bookdust
May 12
Nicole's Book Musings
Valerie Ullmer | Romance Author
May 13
My Chaotic Ramblings
Scrupulous Dreams
May 14
Paranormal Romance Trance
Sylv.net
May 15
eBook Addicts
Stormy Nights Reviewing & Bloggin'
May 16
Viviana MacKade – GUEST POST
Lisa Book Blog
May 17
T's Stuff
Triquetra Reviews
May 18
All the Ups and Downs – GUEST POST
JB's Bookworms with Brandy Mulder
May 19
Jazzy Book Reviews
Tracie’s World of Books
May 20
Twisted Book Ramblings
Yearwood La Novela
May 21
Teatime and Books
The Book Dragon
