Shattered Vows: Love, Lies & Consequences - Book 3
by Natasha Frazier, M.S., CPA
Rico gambled with his marriage when he cheated on Chloe. Breaking his vows and risking everything for temporary pleasure, he lost his wife’s respect and trust. Rico returns to God, searching for a quick fix to win Chloe’s heart back, but his heart is the one that is changed. He is a self-proclaimed changed man, willing to go the extra mile to restore his marriage, but he just may be too late.
Has Chloe given up on him? She has forgiven him before, but this is different. "I’m sorry" isn't enough when vows have been shattered. With the law and the Word of the Lord on her side, she finally gathers enough courage to walk away. But then tragedy strikes. Is it enough to make Chloe stay, or will she start a new chapter in her life?
Excerpt from Shattered Vows: Love, Lies & Consequences (Book 3)
Chloe exhaled when she heard his footsteps on the wooden stairwell. She didn’t realize that she'd been holding her breath ever since she felt his hands on her body. I have to stop doing that, she chastised herself. She knew he was feeling rejected. But how did he think he made her feel when that woman showed up at the coffee shop carrying his child?
She pulled on her dress and fidgeted with it until she slid the zipper into position. She slipped into her shoes and turned around in front of the mirror, giving her clothes, makeup and hair a once-over before meeting Rico downstairs. Rico let out a low whistle as Chloe descended the stairs with her matching camel-colored clutch under her arm.
“I’m the luckiest man in the world to have you on my arm tonight. You look beautiful, sweetie,” Rico complimented as he took her hand when she descended to the last three steps. When she made it to the bottom, he lifted her hand and brushed her wedding band with his fingers before planting a kiss on her hand.
“Thank you.” Chloe blushed a little and returned the compliment. “You look nice, too.” She noticed that he was wearing her favorite cologne as well, but didn’t make mention of it. Rico placed her hand around his arm and escorted her to the car. Their drive to the Improv was filled with chatter from Rico about what they did on previous anniversaries. She didn’t add much to the conversation, only nodded and smiled mostly. She had to admit that those times were nice, but this one was much different. In her mind was the insurmountable obstacle in front of them.
Rico had purchased their tickets online so they walked straight past the ticket booth to the entrance, where they were greeted by a hostess and shown to their VIP table near the stage. Noting the dim lighting, soft R&B music and the newly renovated facility, Chloe remembered their first date at the Improv, where they saw the comedian Arnez J in standup. They laughed until their stomachs and throats were in pain. She was hoping she would get another whiff of that tonight, although she didn’t know who the comedian was going to be. She just knew that she could use a laugh right about now. And not just any laugh, but a magic laugh that would take away all of the pain that she was feeling and trying so hard to push aside. The type of laughter that would somehow wipe the slate clean for the two of them. She was sure there was no such thing, but she was ready for the magic she hoped the night would bring for her.
She ordered a Caesar salad and he ordered buffalo wings to enjoy before the show started. On cue, the show began when the waitress came to take away their empty plates. They were tickled a little by the warm-up acts but nothing like what she was waiting for. However, she was feeling more relaxed and her body didn’t stiffen as it did earlier when Rico pulled her chair closer to his and put his arm around her.
There were still a few residual laughs from the crowd as the host appeared onstage to announce the headliner for the night—Will the Thrill. Chloe didn’t recognize the comedian’s stage name, so she knew she hadn’t heard any of his jokes before. New material. Great. Will the Thrill jumped straight into his routine after the round of applause subsided. His first joke was about dating and how he wasn’t ready to commit to his girlfriend by getting married.
“C’mon now men. Y’all know how much extra work it is to hide the side woman when you get married. Gotta put all these codes in your phone, use aliases and lie, lie, lie. Even when you get caught, stick to the lie. Ain’t that right my man?” he joked as he gestured toward Rico. Her anticipation waned at those jokes. In fact, they weren’t funny at all. Bad choice in her mind. What began to tick her off was that Rico was doubled over in laughter . . . clearly, something he shouldn’t have been laughing at given the situation they were in.
“What in the hell is so funny, Rico?” she sneered, leaning to the side to look up at him wiping tears from his eyes.
“What?” Rico asked, clearly confused.
“So cheating is funny?”
“Sweetie, these are just jokes. C’mon now.”
“I’m glad you think ruining our marriage and our lives is funny. I’m getting out of here!” Chloe scooted away from the table, snatched her purse and walked away with Rico following close behind.
“Looks like someone got caught doing what I just said not to do!” the comedian joked to their retreating backs as they exited the room, causing an uproar in the crowd.
Rico grabbed her hand and she spun around. She yanked her hand back and folded her arms across her chest. The look she gave would have killed him if looks could kill. Infidelity was a sore spot with her and definitely not a laughing matter. Rico couldn’t understand why she took it so seriously. Everyone in the room, except her, knew that those were only jokes. There was no reason to get upset over nothing. But to Chloe it wasn’t nothing; it was the reason her life was turned upside down.
( Continued... )
© 2017 All rights reserved. Book excerpt reprinted by permission of the author, Natasha D. Frazier. Do not reproduce, copy or use without the author's written permission. This excerpt is used for promotional purposes only.
Purchase Shattered Vows: Love, Lies & Consequences by Natasha Frazier
Book 3 in Love, Lies & Consequences Series. Genre: Christian Fiction
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MZ5IQMR
Meet the Author
Natasha D. Frazier accepted the call to write in 2011. Since then, Natasha has authored three devotional books. Her first book is The Life Your Spirit Craves, a 30-Day devotional and journal that encourages readers to seek, accept and pursue their God-given assignment. Her second book, Not Without You: 365 Days in the Lord’s Presence, encourages readers to make devotion a part of their everyday life by seeking God every day. Not Without You has been nominated for the Henri Award. The Henri Award recognizes excellence in Christian literature. The Life Your Spirit Craves for Mommies is a 52 week devotional for mothers that encourages them to see God at work in their lives through their role as a mother. Both devotionals in The Life Your Spirit Craves series won the Readers’ Choice Award presented at the Christian Literary Awards.
Natasha is also the author of the Love, Lies & Consequences Christian-fiction series that focuses on real and relevant issues in today’s society, such as pre-marital sex, adultery, blended families and more! Currently, the series contains three published titles: Love, Lies & Consequences, Through Thick & Thin, and Shattered Vows.
Natasha resides in Missouri City, TX with her husband, Eddie Frazier, Jr. and their three children, Eden, Ethan, and Emilyn. Her greatest joy and commitment is to her family who she hopes to inspire above all else. One of her many mottos in life is: Faith removes limitations. Natasha and her family are members of Higher Dimension Church in Houston, TX. Natasha is also a member of the Houston Area Alumni Chapter of Jackson State University and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
Connect with Natasha D. Frazier
Website: www.natashafrazier.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/craves.2012
Instagram: @author_natashafrazier
Twitter: @author_natashaf
Purchase books by Natasha D. Frazier
Genre: Christian Fiction
http://www.amazon.com/author/natashadfrazier
Love, Lies & Consequences (Book 1) by Natasha D. Frazier
The only way to prove what you say you believe is to be put to the test. So was the case with Raegan who was all set to live a life free of sexual impurities until she met Rico, who challenged her character. Sex outside of marriage isn't all that bad if you're going to eventually marry that person, right? After all, Rico did want to marry her and she thought she wanted to marry him until Caleb, her college love, comes back into her life. Raegan lets her guard down and makes a series of choices that lead to consequences she wasn't prepared to face. She will soon find out just how strong she is and if she can rely on her faith to see her through to the other side.
Reviews: Love, Lies & Consequences
I absolutely love this book!! The relationships and friendships are so RELATABLE! The author makes the all the characters seem so real. - Shenitra Davis
This is the first book I've read by this author. I'll be looking to read more. It's an enjoyable, inspiring book. You will not want to put it down.You can relate to the relationships in this book. I love the Scriptures in the book. I don't want to spoil the book by telling you the plot but let's just say you might see yourself in Reagan. - Dotty
"The true test of my commitment will come when I am actually tested, but it’s nothing I can’t handle..." So thinks Raegan, the main character of author Natasha D. Frazier's new book LOVE, LIES & CONSEQUENCES---and it proves to be a thought that is itself tested every step of her journey. Frazier has crafted an entertaining yet thoughtful read that allows us to see that when it comes to doing what is right versus what feels right both men and women have to put forth a lot of effort and not allow themselves to be tempted beyond what they can bear. For Raegan this seems easier said than done, especially when her heart and mind seem to be warring against each other at times. What we realize, though, is that sometimes circumstances can help us to figure out that at the end of the day we can't direct our steps. We need to rely on the One that knows us best in order to do that. Raegan realizes she can have what she wants, but she has to be willing to surrender to His will and not allow her own desires to get in the way. There's a lot to love about this book, especially since it shows that men aren't the only one that has problems with promises. It also shows that when we decide on a path we have to be ready and willing to accept the consequences that come along with it, even if it means possibly losing all that we have. - Cyrus Webb
Through Thick & Thin: Love, Lies & Consequences (Book 2) by Natasha D. Frazier
Engaged, pregnant, and unsure of her baby's father, Raegan's troubles have multiplied. In the sequel to the award-winning title, Love, Lies & Consequences, Raegan learns what it feels like to be loved completely. In turn, she must learn to forgive and return that same love that was given to her. Forgiveness and understanding won't come easily.
Caleb has promised to stay by her side--but will her guilt push him away? When Caleb's past catches up to him, will Raegan remain by his side as he promised to stick by hers? Or does she hold him to a different standard? Will Raegan choose Caleb over her need to be in control of everything? Will they stick with each other Through Thick & Thin . . . or will the consequences of their past sins be too much to bear?
Reviews: Through Thick & Thin
After reading the first novel, I could not have been happier upon hearing that the sequel was released. This one took me through a whirlwind of emotions, but it was such an enjoyable read. Can't wait to read more books by this author! - Tasha, Amazon reviewer
This was a pretty good Christian Romance. I enjoyed the characters and their story. The first book kept my interest enough to purchase the second book. I would definitely read more books from this author. - Amazon reviewer
Five stars and two thumbs up! Congrats on a job well done! I fell in love with all of the characters. If you're looking for a good, clean, Christian fiction read, do not pass this series up! - Rachel B. Amazon reviewer
Intimate Conversation with Natasha D. Frazier
Natasha D. Frazier accepted the call to write in 2011. Since then, Natasha has authored three devotional books. Her first book is The Life Your Spirit Craves, a 30-Day devotional and journal that encourages readers to seek, accept and pursue their God-given assignment. Her second book, Not Without You: 365 Days in the Lord’s Presence, encourages readers to make devotion a part of their everyday life by seeking God every day. Not Without You has been nominated for the Henri Award. The Henri Award recognizes excellence in Christian literature.
The Life Your Spirit Craves for Mommies is a 52 week devotional for mothers that encourages them to see God at work in their lives through their role as a mother. Both devotionals in The Life Your Spirit Craves series won the Readers’ Choice Award presented at the Christian Literary Awards.
Natasha is also the author of the Love, Lies & Consequences Christian-fiction series that focuses on real and relevant issues in today’s society, such as pre-marital sex, adultery, blended families and more! Currently, the series contains three published titles: Love, Lies & Consequences, Through Thick & Thin, and Shattered Vows.
Natasha resides in Missouri City, TX with her husband, Eddie Frazier, Jr. and their three children, Eden, Ethan, and Emilyn. Her greatest joy and commitment is to her family who she hopes to inspire above all else. One of her many mottos in life is: Faith removes limitations. Natasha and her family are members of Higher Dimension Church in Houston, TX. Natasha is also a member of the Houston Area Alumni Chapter of Jackson State University and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
BPM: What made you want to become a writer? How long have you been writing?
Natasha: I've wanted to write since high school. I toyed with the idea a little in college, but decided to stick with Business School, where I earned degrees in accounting. For years, writing had been impressed upon my heart and it wasn't until around 2011 that the idea weighed on me so heavily that I began to pray continuously about it. It seemed as if every sermon afterward was directed at me to move my feet. One night while studying my bible, I read Joshua 18:3, which says, "How long are you going to wait until you take possession of the land the Lord your God has already promised you?" That was my cue. I decided that I would no longer wait because I didn't want to miss out on the life that God had called me to live. I've been writing since that time.
BPM: How do you think you’ve evolved creatively?
Natasha: I'm learning more and more how to "show" rather than "tell." Telling is taking the easy way out, so I'm (and so is my editor) continuing to challenge myself to step outside of the box and "show."
BPM: Do you view writing as a kind of spiritual practice?
Natasha: I think writing is necessary for all of us because it gives clarity, cleansing, and order. It doesn't have to be a book, but our daily thoughts, tasks, or even the grocery list! I suppose it can be viewed as a spiritual practice because we need those same ideas in our spiritual lives (clarity, cleansing, and order). I need to write. I get such a feeling of peace and accomplishment when I check off that box for the day.
BPM: How has writing impacted your life?
Natasha: I've learned now, more than ever, that I can do anything I set my mind to. Writing has also created opportunities for me to cultivate relationships that probably wouldn't have happened had it not been for my writing. It has also helped me to grow spiritually and in my degreed profession.
BPM: What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?
Natasha: Creating my books is the easy part and getting them into the hands of those who need to read them is the most challenging. Creating the book is only the first step.
BPM: Where do you see yourself as a writer in five years?
Natasha: The Love, Lies & Consequences series has seemed to take wings. It is going further than I originally planned. I planned to write two books and move on to something else, but that doesn't seem to be the case. I've already started the next two books in the series. But in five years, I hope to have gained the knowledge needed so that I can begin writing a pilot for a television series.
BPM: How do you find or make time to write? Are you a plotter or a pantster?
Natasha: Our family has recently grown, so I have to be even more strategic with writing. Lately, I write during my lunch breaks or late in the evenings when my baby boss frees me. I'm a pantster. I never know where the story will go, I let the characters decide. If there are a few things that I know need to happen in the story, I jot down a few notes, but that is the extent of plotting for me.
BPM: How did you choose the genre you write in? Have you considered writing in another genre?
Natasha: I currently write devotionals and Christian fiction. I do believe my writing is a calling so the genres were an easy pick. The only other genre I've considered to date is children's books, and that is only to help my daughter publish her first book. I love watching crime dramas (Quantico and NCIS: LA are two of my favorite shows) and would love to be able to write one, but I don't know if I ever will.
BPM: Tell us about your most recent work. Available on Nook and Kindle?
Natasha: Shattered Vows is the third book in the Love, Lies & Consequences series. It can be read as a stand alone, but where's the fun in that? Shattered Vows centers around Rico, the charismatic preacher's kid who charms Raegan in book 1 and leads her to believe he's going to marry her, but he has a secret, and she's missed all the signs because she's so caught up on the fact that he's enamored with her. Rico's lies have finally caught up with him and he's ready to turn his life around, but it just may be too late. It is available on Kindle (and Kindle Unlimited) and paperback.
BPM: Give us some insight into your main characters or the speakers. What makes each one so special?
Natasha: Rico has been used to getting his way with women, but he is now a changed man. He no longer cares how other women see him. All he wants is for his wife to choose him and their marriage. He has now become the man who messed up and craves nothing more than his wife's forgiveness. His wife, Chloe, on the other hand has had enough. Not only has she forgiven him before, but she feels like he took her forgiveness for granted. Why wouldn't she feel this way when he went and impregnated another woman? And what makes matters worse is that a baby was the one thing she had yet to give him. Adultery has always been her deal breaker and she has one foot out the door with someone on the other side ready and willing to love her like she should be loved. The issue she struggles with is hurting the heart of God, but she needs to move on for her own peace of mind.
BPM: What was your hardest scene to write, the opening or the close?
Natasha: Definitely the closing. It was the first time I've written that type of scene, and because it wasn't something that I've personally had to deal with, it was tough.
BPM: Share one specific point in your book that resonated with your present situation or journey.
Natasha: One of the recurring themes is learning to forgive yourself for mistakes you've made and trusting and taking hold of God's forgiveness. It is one thing to accept God's forgiveness, but it is another to forgive yourself and move on. I've learned that holding on to mistakes that God has forgiven me for is crippling to me. I can only truly move forward if I accept God's love and forgiveness and use the situation as a lesson, forgive myself and continue to grow into the person that God has called me to be.
BPM: Is there a specific place/space/state that you find inspiration in?
Natasha: Not really. I've found inspiration in random places: at a stoplight, washing dishes, watching a movie, talking to a friend, etc. I usually take note of the thought by texting or e-mailing it to myself so that I can use it later.
BPM: Are there certain characters you would like to go back to, or is there a theme or idea you’d love to work with?
Natasha: Of course! In book 1, we get a glimpse of Raegan's three closest friends: Tammy, Michelle, and Kensi. Tammy's story is told along with Raegan's. I've already started a book for Kensi. I would like to circle back and write Michelle's story as well.
BPM: Do you want each book to stand on its own or do you prefer to write series?
Natasha: Each book can stand on its own, but its probably better to be read as a series. Book 3 is more stand alone than books 1 and 2. I prefer to write series as well. When I'm done with each book, there is always this question of "what if" and the series just keeps going. I think that's the reason why I liked the soap opera "All My Children" so much: it was never-ending!
BPM: Does writing energize or exhaust you?
Natasha: Writing energizes me. I feel such a sense of peace and accomplishment when I'm done.
BPM: Do you believe in writer’s block?
Natasha: I've never really had it, probably because I don't sit and write for long periods. The longest writing period for me has probably been about a couple of hours.
BPM: Do you try to deliver to readers what they want or let the characters guide your writing?
Natasha: All of my fiction is character-driven, however, it is interesting to hear what readers think.
BPM: Is there one subject you would never write about as an author? What is it?
Natasha: I'm not sure. I'll write whatever God gives me.
BPM: Is there a certain type of scene that's harder for you to write than others?
Natasha: Scenes that deal with death are harder for me to write than others. It causes me to think about my own mortality. No one wants to think about that, but it's going to happen to us all.
BPM: What was the best money you ever spent as a writer?
Natasha: A couple of years ago, I purchased a vending space at The Ultimate Women's Expo here in Houston, TX. That was such a great experience because I got the chance to meet so many different types of readers in such a short period of time.
BPM: What projects are you working on at the present?
Natasha: I have two projects in the works. I am working on Kensi's book; it is currently untitled. I am also working on a book for Chloe, which picks up about a year later after the end of Shattered Vows.
BPM: How can readers discover more about you and your work?
My website: www.natashafrazier.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/craves.2012
Instagram: @author_natashafrazier
Twitter @author_natashaf
Purchase Shattered Vows: Love, Lies & Consequences Book 3 by Natasha D. Frazier
https://www.amazon.com/Shattered-Vows-Love-Lies-Consequences-ebook/dp/B01MZ5IQMR/
More Books by Author Natasha Frazier
I. Award-winning devotional, "The Life Your Spirit Craves"
II. Award-nominated devotional, "Not Without You: 365 Days in the Lord's Presence"
III. Award-nominated "Love, Lies & Consequences"
IV. "Through Thick & Thin: Love, Lies & Consequences Book 2"
V. The Life Your Spirit Craves for Mommies
Pearl Page: Audio Postcard for Bookclubs
$79.00 Per Campaign, pay here.
Thank you for listening to this fantastic book preview! This audio-postcard presentation was created by Ella Curry of EDC Creations Creations Media Group. We offer the best in book publishing publicity! Visit the main EDC Creations website today to explore the many services we offer small business owners, event planners, authors and publishers at: http://www.edc-creations.com/publicity.htm We have several packages that will take your products to the top!
Create a Pearl Page Like This One in Minutes! Got a ebook or a new printed book...let us tell the world it's available! Reserve your own personal audio book preview page today and your Pearl Page will be ready for syndication in 3-5 days! Let us share your message with our database for the next 3 months. The bookcover (with link to bookseller) is showcased on Black Pearls Magazine front page sidebar for 3 months too.
Turn your speakers on and click the links. View samples of our various types Pearl Pages:
PP 1, PP 2, PP 3, PP 4 and PP 5
Pearl Pages are emailed to more than 165,000 readers of the EDC Creations newsletter, played on BAN Radio Show 3 times in 3 months and promoted via our mobile bookclub. View here. What a way to share your audio-visual introduction with readers! Fee: $79.00 for complete webpage and audio. Make all payments at the EDC Creations Payment Center, go here today. We look forward to sharing your information with our network! Ella will email instructions within 24-48 hours.
|
