Today I’m excited to tell you about my newest book release, Always The One. I always look forward to seeing a new book come out, but this time I’m especially excited because this is my 10th Heartwarming book with Harlequin. When I dreamed of becoming a full-time author, I never imagined I’d be so fortunate to work for such a great company, have a wonderful editor who I’ve been with for nine books, and be able to pursue my goal of creating stories that I hope touch reader’s hearts.

I always tell people who have a dream to go after it, because I did just that. I love telling stories and wanted a chance for others to read them. It took many years to be able to work as a full-time author, but the journey has been worth it. I learned a lot about the craft of writing, and quite a bit about myself, along the way. I wouldn’t be here without my firm belief in God and the power of prayer. No one has to tell me how awesome the Father is, I see it every day, not just in my career, but in the world around me.

So if you’re hesitating to go after that goal, take a step of faith. You never know what will happen, or the surprises that will pop up along the way. If I hadn’t gone for it, I wouldn’t be telling anyone about my 10th Harlequin book!

Always The One is bittersweet, since it is the last book in the Meet Me At The Altar series. The Matthews brothers have a special place in my heart. They’re all about honor, family and protecting those they love. Who wouldn’t fall for men like them?

Derrick lost the woman he loved years ago, until fate brings them together. But Hannah isn’t exactly welcoming, with good reason. Still, Derrick is a Matthews and won’t quit until he convinces her they belong together. Will they find their happily ever after? Not only do we get that answer, but a recap of the Matthews clan as well.

Here is the back cover blurb for Always The One.

She’s the love of his life…

…but is he still hers?

FBI agent Derrick Matthews has finally found his childhood sweetheart and the love of his life—but she isn’t exactly happy about it! Years ago, Hannah Rawlings disappeared overnight when her family went on the run, and she blames Derrick. She tells him she’s moved on and he should, too, but Derrick fears Hannah’s still in danger. He vows to protect her—even if that means betraying her trust…again.

Here’s an excerpt. Enjoy!

She tilted her head. “You weren’t serious when you said you never stopped looking for me, were you?”

 He moved closer, his gaze locked on hers. “Dead serious. But my dedication only led to one disappointment after another.”

“I just…there was no one else in your life?”

He wasn’t about to admit there’d been a time when he’d almost moved on. “You’re hard to forget.” He turned to look across the room at Prescott holding court. “But I guess you had it easy getting over me.”

“That’s not fair. I honestly never thought we’d cross paths again.” Her fingers trembled when she set her glass on a nearby table. “And that was fine, since I was angry with you. But as time passed, I realized there was no way you could find me with a new name. How on earth would you have access to WITSEC? You couldn’t.”

 “So you never imagined me sweeping in to save the day?”

“If I did, it was wishful wishing.”

 “I never stopped missing you. Wanting you. Hoping things had turned out differently.” He fisted his hand in frustration. “I thought you stayed away because you didn’t want to see me.”

She opened her mouth, then closed it. It looked as if she was debating her words. “Yes, we made promises. Had our entire future before us.” Her eyes turned glassy in the bright light. “But the longer we were apart, the more apparent it became that we were over. My family took precedence, Derrick. Decisions were made that moved you and me farther and farther from each other. This is my reality now.”

He couldn’t deny that truth. “So Prescott is the guy for you?”

She nodded. “He’s been there. Ever since we met and later when Mom got sick. He’s a good man.”

 “You love him?”

 “You’ve met him. How could I not?”

 “That’s not an answer.”

She pressed her lips together. He remembered that stubborn expression.

“Derrick, it’s been too long. We can’t be in each other’s lives now,” she continued. “We must accept that.”

“Have you ever known me to give up on something?”

“I’m not a something.”

 “You’re the love I never stopped looking for.”

 Teardrops sparkled on her lashes. “This isn’t fair.”

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Tara Randel is an award-winning, USA Today bestselling author. Family values, a bit of mystery and of course, love and romance, are her favorite themes, because she believes love is the greatest gift of all.  For more information about her books, visit Tara at www.tararandel.com. Like her on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/TaraRandelBooks. Sign up for Tara’s Newsletter and receive a link to download a free digital book.