How a trip to Belize influenced the novel Ethan

18 Comments

Ethan is the first book in the Family Ties series about a blended Black/Hispanic family. Most of the story takes place in Atlanta, but several chapters are about Ethan and Skye’s getaway to Belize. 

I visited Belize a few years ago, and it really made an impression on me. The place was so chill, the food is good, and the people are friendly. Being from the Virgin Islands, it reminded me a lot of home. I briefly mentioned Belize in Love Me, but this time I included more details to transport you to the country. 

Ethan and Skye hadn’t taken a vacation in a couple of years, and when Skye complained Ethan often worked during their vacations, he told her she could plan everything. She chose to visit Hopkins Village, a less touristy part of Belize. While there, they learned about the Garifuna people, whose food, music, and traditions greatly influence the community. They ate hudut–a fish dish that includes coconut milk and mashed plantains–and went to a beachside restaurant to listen to Garifuna musicians sing and play the drums–all of which I was lucky enough to experience firsthand. 

I also had the pleasure of a lizard invading the space of my beachside apartment, so I gave Ethan and Skye the same problem. The lizard didn’t bother me, but Skye is creeped out by it. Lucky for her, she had Ethan to get rid of the pest. I wasn’t so lucky and learned to live in harmony with my reptile roommate. LOL. 

The scene below is an unedited excerpt from the book, where Skye discovers the lizard in the bathroom, and Ethan saves the day. Then things get a little heated ;).

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Skye undressed and went into the bathroom. There was no shower curtain or door, only a beveled half wall to contain the spray. She stepped onto the cool tile and reached up to turn on the water, only to find a pair of tiny eyes looking at her from several feet above. The green lizard was back.

She screamed and hopped out of the shower.

Seconds later, Ethan burst through the door.

“He’s back.” Skye pointed into the stall.

Ethan peered in. “There’s nothing to be afraid of. I told you before, he’s probably more afraid of you than you are of him.”

“I seriously doubt that, since he keeps coming up in here, into our space.”

“He’s not going to bite you.”

“No, but he could jump on top of me while I’m taking a shower.” She shivered in disgust. “Get rid of it, Ethan.”

His eyes dropped to her breasts. “If you like, I can stay in here and protect you.”

She’d forgotten she was stark naked. “That’s not funny.” She snatched up a towel and held it in front of her.

“I thought it was,” he muttered.

“Would you please get him out of here.”

“If I try to catch him, he’ll probably run higher up the wall. I’ll have to be strategic.”

“I’ll let you figure that out.” Skye hurried from the room.

She sat on the arm of one of the chairs in the living room, and Ethan came out and took the broom, a bowl, and a plate into the bathroom.

“What are you doing with all of those?” Skye called.

“Let me worry about that. You stay your pretty little behind out here and let me handle this.”

“Yes, sir.”

After a minute or two, Ethan exited the bathroom with the plate over the bowl.

“Eww. Is he in there?” Skye whispered.

“Yes. Do you want to see him?”

She hopped up from the chair. “No! Get it out of here. Maybe you should kill him so he won’t come back.”

Ethan shot her a glance.

“Fine, don’t kill him, but he better not show his face around here again.”

Ethan released the lizard to the outside, dumped the dishes in the sink, and washed his hands.

Skye sidled over and wrapped her arms around his waist. “My hero,” she murmured, kissing his back and running her hands up and down his naked chest.

“You know you can’t do that and expect me to stand here and do nothing.” He turned to face her.

“We were both at the beach. We should both take a shower,” Skye suggested with false innocence.

“Hm. You make a good point.”

She took his hand and led the way into the bathroom. She removed the towel and then helped Ethan out of his swim trunks.

They climbed into the shower together and let the water run over their skin. Ethan made sure to brush off the sand, paying extra attention to her breasts and ass. Her skin tingled with every stroke, and she returned the favor by running her hands over his muscular body, indulging her need for further contact by kissing his chest, licking his nipples, and nipping at his Adam’s apple.

Ethan squeezed moisturizing shampoo into his hands and proceeded to wash her hair. Instead of standing behind her, he stood in front, and she wrapped her arms around his torso. They were skin to skin as he worked his magic.

She always enjoyed when he washed her hair, which was nothing like going to the salon. Ethan’s hands were gentle but firm as he massaged the lather through the strands. The scent of the shampoo’s herbal oils filled her nostrils and added to the sensual experience of him taking his time to give her the simple pleasure.

Skye closed her eyes and tipped back her head, humming her pleasure as his fingertips moved along her temple and to the base of her skull. Ethan followed with the deep penetrating conditioner, and in between the washing and conditioning, his lips found their way onto her shoulders, and every so often his hands splayed across her rib cage and squeezed her breasts.

By the time he finished, she was a quivering mass of raw nerves, ready to straddle his hips and ride him to oblivion.

____________

Ethan arrives on January 28, 2022. Preorder links coming this week.

Join my Readers Lounge to participate in the release party and book chat in February.

18 Comments. Leave new

  • I enjoyed this excerpt of Ethan and Skye’s story and look forward to the full story very soon! I hear that Belize is a most beautiful place. Possibly before I transition to the Spirit realm, I may visit both Belize and the Virgin Islands! Thanks so much for this excerpt Delaney! Have a happy week.

    Reply
  • Betty A Bowles
    January 17, 2022 12:57 pm

    This was a great tease to what I know will be a great story. I feel the same way Skye does about lizards and any other creepy crawlies. I can’t wait to read this book.

    Reply
  • I appreciate all the research and knowledge you put into your books. I am looking forward to traveling to Belize if only in my mind through your book, Ethan. Absolutely loved the excerpt. I am going to enjoy Ethan and Skye’s dynamic🔥🔥🔥 Patiently waiting to pre-order🤗 Oh yeah, thanks for reminding me I need to wash my hair because I have been putting it off for the past week🤣

    Reply
    • There’s nothing like the real thing, but hopefully you’ll enjoy the small taste of the country I offer in the book. I need to wash my hair too. If only I had my own Ethan to do it for me… 😩

      Reply
  • Lisa Johnson Blackburn
    January 17, 2022 7:46 pm

    I’m tapping my feet!!! That was awesome make me want to go to Belize!!!!!! Sounds like a fantasy come true. I tell you all the time I want to live in your mind!

    Reply
  • Okay Lady!!! Participation is high and the end of the month is moving too slow. Always ready for one of your books.

    Reply
  • Shirley Jones
    January 18, 2022 3:35 am

    Sounds like another awesome series is headed our way! Thank you Delaney Diamond!!

    Reply
  • Brenda Larnell
    January 26, 2022 10:49 am

    Great teaser. Looking forward to reading & reviewing!

    Reply
  • I love this scene. I feel like Skye is such a boss and to be afraid of a lizard is hilarious. Steamy, sexy love scene 😉

    Reply
  • Great teaser, looking forward to reading Ethan book.

    Reply
  • It’s nothing like having your hero save you from all hurt, harm and danger and then receive his just reward! 😉

    Reply
  • How is the COVID situation over there?

    Reply

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