Hearts Ignite in the Desert

By Julianna Douglas

Can an elderly, abandoned Golden Retriever unite two hearts through a common purpose that ignites into a passionate love?

After experiencing more than his fair share of war and violence, Gunnery Sergeant Robbie Garcia is ready for a normal civilian life. Recently discharged from the Marines, he returns to Phoenix, searching for something rewarding to do with his life, while also hoping to find a wife and start a family. During a visit with his lifelong best friend, Robbie spots a picture of his friend’s younger sister. The girl he remembers as an awkward teenager has blossomed into a beautiful, determined woman with impressive plans for the future, who piques his interest and kindles his desire. Could the woman of his dreams have been right in front of him all these years?

Ever since she was a teenager, Gabriela Sanchez has dreamed of two things: dedicating her life to working with animals and marrying Robbie Garcia. She achieved the first when she became a vet tech and was hired by Loving Hearts, and now she wants nothing more than to open her own senior dog sanctuary. However, since Robbie never saw her as anything other than his best friend’s annoying little sister, the second has always been out of her reach. Over the years, Gabby tried to forget Robbie by dating other guys, but her heart never stopped loving him from afar. When they reunite, will all of her fantasies finally be fulfilled?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Julianna Douglas
• Release date: Feb 10, 2020
• ISBN: 9780463318652

Julianna Douglas

For as long as I can remember, I've been a hopeless romantic and believer in fairy tales. Even as a little girl, my fondest dream was to find a Prince Charming who would sweep me off my feet. I'm happy to say that I did realize that dream and have been married to him for nineteen years. With that being the case, it's not too surprising that I've been obsessed with romance novels since my teens. I read virtually every sub-genre of romance and just can't get enough of them. Occasionally, over the years, people who know my passion for reading have asked if I would ever write a book. In spite of having a vivid imagination and often making up stories in my head to entertain myself, my answer was always an emphatic 'no'. Perhaps it was because I didn't care much for writing in school, but I never in my wildest dreams ever pictured myself as a writer. Now, here I am years later, eating my words. I truly feel like I've found my life's passion. Nearly every time I sit down to write, I feel energized and excited to be creating something new. I think it's because I'm no longer boxed in like I was with school writing assignments and can give my creative side free rein. I can't wait to write the next sentence, the next page, the next chapter, the next book. The muses keep the ideas flowing faster than I can put them on the page and my characters have become a living, breathing part of my life. Now, my fondest wish is that my readers come to love my characters and stories every bit as much as I've loved creating them. I currently live in hot, sunny Phoenix, Arizona with my wonderful husband who is also my writing cheerleader and technical guru, our two teenage children (one boy, one girl), Tundra, our Husky/Great Pyrenees mix dog, and our three cats, Lucy, Misty and Mackenzie. When I'm not reading or writing, I can usually be found hanging out on GoodReads, surfing the web, watching TV or movies, book shopping, or feeding my insatiable thirst for knowledge. I also run the book review website, The Hope Chest Reviews.

Book preview

Hearts Ignite in the Desert

By

Julianna Douglas

Hearts Ignite in the Desert

Copyright © 2019 Julianna Douglas

All Rights Reserved

No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the author, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

To order additional copies, please visit the author's website at http://www.juliannadouglas.com/

Cover Design by: Jaycee DeLorenzo, Sweet ‘N’ Spicy Designs

Edited by: Melissa Ringsted, There for You Editing

READ ALL THE IN THE DESERT STORIES

Assassination and Attraction in the Desert

by Charlie Anne Chatfield

Dating in the Desert (Josie’s Story)

by Rebecca Rodarte

Death in the Desert

by Erica Wynters

Deceit in the Desert (A Nico & Eve Short Story)

by Anne Marie Becker

Digging in the Desert

by Julie Brookman

Euphoria in the Desert

by Tina Swayzee McCright

Hearts Ignite in the Desert

by Julianna Douglas

Love Lessons in the Desert

by Cathy McDavid

Reunion in the Desert

by L. A. Keller

Smitten with Kittens in the Desert

by Suki McMinn

Viking in the Desert: A Sven & Hollis Story

by Kris Tualla

ALSO BY JULIANNA DOUGLAS

Loving Hearts Series

His Heart's Desire

Heart of the Season

The Key to Her Heart

O’Malley Brothers Series

Butterfly Serenade

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

It is with deepest gratitude that I thank the following people for their contributions that assisted me on my journey to publishing this novelette:

The authors of the Valley of the Sun and Desert Rose chapters of Romance Writers of America (RWA) for their collaboration on the In the Desert Shared World Series, which inspired my muse and helped bring this story into the light of day much sooner than it probably would have been otherwise.

My fellow author, Willow Sanders, for her hard work coordinating the In the Desert Shared World Series and for designing all the original covers for the series.

My editor, Melissa Ringsted, for your gentle guidance in cleaning up my manuscript.

My cover designer, Jaycee DeLorenzo, for the beautiful new book cover to match all my other Loving Hearts stories.

DEDICATION

This novelette is dedicated to our brave men and women in uniform. Your service to our country is greatly appreciated.

"If there’s one thing I’ve learned in my years on this planet, it’s that the happiest and most fulfilled people are those who devoted themselves to something bigger and more profound than merely their own self-interest."

– John Glenn

Chapter 1

Robbie, my man, it’s so good to see you again.

Alejandro Sanchez, Robbie Garcia’s best friend since childhood, grasped Robbie’s hand and pulled him into a manly, back-slapping hug where they stood on the front porch. "I’ve missed you, amigo."

I’ve missed you, too, Robbie returned the sentiment.

After parting with a final pat on the shoulder, Alex motioned Robbie inside. Come on in. It’s great to finally have you back home.

It’s great to be back. Crossing the threshold, Robbie looked around. He hadn’t been inside Alex’s house since before he’d married Elena, and the place looked different. The previously mundane bachelor pad now had colorful throw pillows dotting the sofa and equally vibrant art prints gracing the walls, including a portrait of Frida Kahlo. A corner table held prayer candles with a beautiful crucifix hanging on the wall above.

Alex waved a hand, indicating