Sneak Peek!
Fatal Fall Foliage Cruise
Book Description:
The Emerald Queen is embarking on a breathtaking leaf-peeper cruise up the Eastern Seaboard, promising romance, stunning autumn views, and the wedding of the season. But beneath the beauty of the fiery foliage lies a dark secret, and one unlucky guest will pay the ultimate price.
With friends, family, and one all-too-familiar obnoxious ex-husband, Stanton, joining the celebration, Trixie’s dream wedding is about to turn into a deadly nightmare. Because on this cruise, not everyone will make it back to shore alive…
Cosmopolitan Magazine calls Addison's books, “…easy, frothy fun!”
Chapter 1
Emerald Queen of the Seas, Royal Lineage Cruise Lines
Itinerary
7 Night Cruise
Day One = Departure from New York, New York
Day Two = Portland, Maine
Day Three = Halifax, Nova Scotia
Day Four = Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island
Day Five = Boston, Massachusetts
Day Six = At Sea
Day Seven = At Sea
Day Eight = Return to New York, New York
Three hours from now…
The Victim
“Now that is what I call a successful party. But then again, any party with me in attendance always is.” I smirk at my reflection in the mirror, wiping off the last trace of lipstick with a slow, deliberate motion.
I can still hear the stray revelers enjoying themselves in my palatial luxury suite.
And why not? A true party never really ends.
I turn back toward my bedroom and the soft light from the chandeliers casts a golden glow over the plush velvet armchairs, the elegant chaise lounge, and the champagne flutes still sitting half-full on the marble table.
This cabin is simply a work of art—an intoxicating blend of modern luxury combined with touches of unapologetic opulence such as rich fabrics, gilded accents, and floor-to-ceiling windows that offer a breathtaking view of the moonlit ocean. Everything here screams wealth, power, and perfection—just like me.
The lingering scent of champagne and expensive perfume still clings to the air. My jewelry clinks softly as I toss it into the little dish on the vanity and it sparkles under the soft bathroom lights. Much the same way I sparkle. I always do.
I lean into the mirror of this tiny blip the cruise line dares call a restroom and examine my face, my skin, my body.
Still flawless.
No wrinkles. No signs of aging. And there shouldn’t be.
I’ve got the best trainer money can buy, the finest skincare routine with the most exclusive—read expensive products—and it shows. I’ve worked too darn hard to let anyone—even someone as irrelevant as Trixie Troublefield—stand in my way now.
How in the world does that little mouse keep getting whatever—and whoever—she wants?
How? How did she land a hot man like Ransom Baxter, of all people?
A stud like that? With someone like her?
It’s laughable. Infuriating even.
But I’ve got plans for little ol’ Trixie and that stud she thinks she’s about to walk down the aisle with.
My hands grow steady as I unclasp my necklace and drop it onto the counter.
She stole from me once. Years ago. A dear boy who owned my entire heart.
My lips curl involuntarily as that old anger simmers once again. She thought she won back then. But this time? This time, I’ll make sure she knows what real loss feels like.
A soft laugh bubbles from me.
Ransom deserves more. He deserves me.
I let my silk robe slide off and pool at my feet before glancing at my reflection and admiring my curves and toned muscles.
Ransom needs a real woman. Not some wallflower who’s still hiding in the shadows of life.
I turn the shower on, and soon enough steam swirls through the air, filling the space with a warm fog.
“I’m going to take everything from her,” I say out loud. “Her fiancé, her perfect little life, her dignity—everything will belong to me.”
I head over and pick through my closet and the excitement of taking down that troublemaker builds with every passing second. This cruise was a brilliant idea—even if it wasn’t my own.
I stumble across a blood-red lacy number with a plunging neckline and a hemline that hardly covers my rear and hold it out.
“This will do nicely,” I muse as I hold it up against my skin. “There’s not a man on the planet who could resist me in it—certainly not a man like Ransom. That man is one hundred percent heat and lust. I can see it in his eyes.”
Of course, I’ll make sure Trixie spots the two of us together—in the throes of passion no less. She’ll watch as everything she holds dear slips through her fingers, just like it did for me all those years ago.
I know exactly what it feels like to have your world crash down, and I’ll make sure she knows that feeling, too.
The sound of the water hissing from the shower fills the room and I pause to look into the mirror one last time with this red lacy number pressed to my body.
Perfect.
I smile as I run my hands down my sides, feeling the strength in every inch of me.
“She has no idea what’s coming.”
Just as I turn back toward the closet, a cool breeze wafts in as if someone just opened the door. I’m about to turn around just as a pair of strong hands wrap themselves around my throat and tighten like a vise.
A choking sound emits from me as I claw at their grip, my nails tearing at them, but it’s no use. I do my best to turn to see their face, but they dodge and duck with my every move.
My vision blurs.
The room spins.
I try to scream, but not a single sound comes out.
Can’t breathe.
Help.
Someone, please.
I can’t go like this. Not here. Not now. Not on the night I’m set to exact my revenge.
Their grip intensifies and with it, darkness seems to creep in on me from all sides.
I can’t die.
Panic seizes me and electrifies me with a newfound horror. This can’t be the end.
If I die, Trixie wins. And I’m not leaving this planet without exacting my revenge.
Whoever did this to me will pay, and so will Trixie Troublefield for landing me on this cursed ship to begin with.
My body grows limp and everything goes dark.
Chapter 2
The Present…
Trixie
Last Sail Before the Veil—What a Trip!
Hey there, lovely readers!
It’s officially the last sail before the veil—or at least that’s what my bestie calls it. In a strange way, this is goodbye because things will change once this cruise is over, and that means some fun changes for this blog, too! Just like the leaves change colors and fall away in autumn, some goodbyes are meant to be beautiful because they lead to something new, something better. And that’s exactly what’s about to happen here.
So, join me for one last adventure as a single lady as the Emerald Queen of the Seas embarks on a whole new journey! Here’s to change and the beauty that sets the whole world on fire.
XOXO Trixie
The crisp New York air nips at my cheeks and the salty breeze tousles my hair as I practically dance my way up the gangway.
The Emerald Queen of the Seas looms ahead with its sleek lines, its glossy perfection, and promises of endless buffets. And just seeing it sends a surge of excitement in me that I can’t contain.
“I’m getting married! I’m getting married. I’m getting MARRIED!” I shout as my voice escalates into a happy, triumphant trill—much to the shock and most likely irritation of the passengers trying to make their way around me in droves.
Bess and Nettie exchange a knowing look.
“All right, all right, calm down, you soon-to-be honeymooner,” Bess teases as her lips curve into a sly grin. “You haven’t even hit the altar, and you’re already thinking about that wedding night, aren’t you?” She swats at me with her scarf as if trying to swat the blush right off my cheeks.
And I am blushing at the thought. For reasons unknown to me, and much to my spicy best friend’s chagrin, Ransom and I have yet to clear all the bases.
“Who, me?” I give her a wink. “Okay, so maybe I’m thinking about it a little. I mean, have you seen that man? How can I not? I’m so happy I’ve been singing all morning.”
Nettie belts out a laugh and that mountain of gray hair wobbles over her head in tandem. “I think you’re underselling it, Trix. With a stud like Ransom, you’re bound to lose your voice after the wedding night—and it’s not from singing.”
“Nettie.” I gasp at the thought and can’t stop the laughter from bubbling out of me. “I’m sure we’ll keep it dignified.” Or in the least, at optimal volumes.
“Dignified? With that man? Good luck,” Bess says, shaking her head. “I just hope you’re not planning on getting much sleep in the next few weeks.”
“Try years,” Nettie corrects and we all share a laugh.
My eyes well up with happy tears as I hook my arms through theirs.
I couldn’t love Bess and Nettie more if I tried. They’re a couple of octogenarian besties who took me under their wing after I dumped my cheating ex.
They’re the ones that got me to move onto the ship with them, and believe me, it didn’t take a lot of convincing.
Bess Chatterley is a no-nonsense redhead who originally hails from Vermont, where she was once a teacher. But after she dropped her own cheating ex, she headed to the high seas where she met Nettie Butterworth, a gray-headed hippie who once owned a questionably-legal tobacco farm.
The three of us have been an unlikely but wonderful trio this past year and we have been through both thick and thin. From bizarre murder mysteries to being serenaded by half-drunk pirates in questionable port towns, Bess and Nettie have been my partners in crime and crime-solving, too.
In fact, we just finished up a road trip from Florida all the way to the Port of New York. Since Bess and Nettie aren’t employees, they have to disembark and board like everyone else, and even though I teach art lessons on board, I buy my own cabin, so the same rules apply to me.
Nettie nods over at Bess. “Face it, Toots. You’re jealous that our little Trix has got one heck of a treat waiting for her at the finish line of this next cruise,” she says, sticking her tongue out like a five-year-old. “When was the last time you had a wedding night to look forward to?”
“Ha!” Bess laughs at the thought. “Never mind me. If I had a man like Ransom, I’d make sure we relived our wedding night every twenty-four hours.”
“You mean every six hours.” Nettie elbows her.
“I mean every two,” Bess says.
“How about every half hour?” I say and we all break out into cackles once again as the rest of the passengers make their way around us.
“Come on now, Troublefield.” Nettie shakes her head. “Don’t go making us look like amateurs.”
“Oh, leave her alone,” Bess says. “Can’t you see she’s glowing?”
“I can’t help it.” I wrinkle my nose. “I’m just so darn happy.” I twirl, taking in the sparkling sea, the polished handrails, and the fog bathing everything in its ethereal beauty. “It’s finally happening. I’m going to marry Ransom Courtland Baxter.”
Both Bess and Nettie let out a whoop and so do a few stray passengers as they make their way up the gangway beside us.
We’re just steps from boarding the Emerald Queen.
We’re here.
We’re home.
And in just over a week, I’ll be a married woman once again—this time happily so.
Actually—a thought strikes me mid-step, and I halt in my tracks, causing Nettie to nearly collide with my back.
“What gives, Trixie?” she asks, tugging at her luggage.
“I just realized something,” I muse. “Am I going to be Trixie Troublefield Baxter? Or Mrs. Ransom Baxter Troublefield?” I cringe at the thought. “Wait. That sounds terrible. The “trouble” in Troublefield was right— I should’ve known better than to marry Stanton in the first place. That name is basically a stark warning his ancestors were trying to give me. Although I am grateful for our sweet kids.” Another thought hits me. “And I just remembered that Ransom and I already talked about this, and Trixie Troublefield Baxter it is. He’s fine with it, and so am I.”
There were so many reasons that went into that decision, mostly for the kids, but it’s who I’ve been for the last twenty-five years. And I have a feeling the next twenty-five will be far better.
Bess shrugs. “I’m okay with it, too. I think Troublefield suits you. Lord knows you’re always getting us into trouble.”
Nettie nods. “And you’re always getting into it in the best ways. There’s never a dull day with you around, Trix. Keep the trouble and the chocolate coming.”
We continue our way up the gangway, joining the steady stream of passengers eager to board the Emerald Queen. The scent of freshly polished wood, brass, and glass mixes with the brine of the ocean and it’s an intoxicating cocktail. The hum of excitement in the air is electric and as it should be. A new adventure is at hand.
The Emerald Queen just repositioned itself after its last stop in the Bahamas, and now we’re here in New York, ready to embark on a whole new journey.
This time we’re leaf-peeping up the Eastern Seaboard—and boy, do I love fall. The fiery reds, the sunlit golds, the crispness in the air—pumpkin spice everything—I’m here for all of it—especially the donuts.
But, let’s be honest. That’s not what has me dancing a jig today. Nope, there is definitely something better than fall on the horizon—and yes, better than donuts, too.
In a little over a week, I’m going to be Mrs. Ransom Baxter—Baxter Troublefield? No, wait, it’s definitely Troublefield Baxter.
Clearly, the universe has saved the best for last. But I digress.
“You’re zoning out again,” Bess says, nudging me back to reality. “Come on. We’re almost there.”
“Oh, right. Let’s do this.” I look up at the looming silhouette of the ship’s entrance ahead and my heart skips a beat just thinking about Ransom waiting for me up there.
This is going to be the trip of a lifetime.
The ship is actually stopping in Maine—where both of our families hail from. We’ll meet up with the kids there but just briefly.
The real party happens when we return to New York. That’s where we’ll tie the knot while the ship is still in port so that all our friends and family can be there with us as well.
We’ve even invited my smarmy ex to the event—mostly for the sake of the children and in hopes that we can move on in an amicable fashion. Is it wrong that I’m hoping he says no to the invite? Or is it sane?
The gangway bounces under our feet as we step aboard and the gleam of brass, the chatter of passengers, the faint scent of the salty air, the miles of crystal chandeliers, the polished marble floors—every last inch of this ship washes over me like a comforting hug.
“We’re home,” I say, breathing it all in. “This is paradise.”
“It sure is,” Nettie says, giving me a side-eye. “Especially since we know darn well they restocked the lido buffet just in time for us to hit it. I heard rumors of chocolate fountains this time around.”
“Oh no, you don’t,” Bess groans, rolling her eyes. “I’m not fishing you out of another chocolate fountain, Nettie Butterworth.”
“Who says anything about you fishing me out? And by the way, that last fountain had it coming,” Nettie huffs. “You can’t just put that much chocolate in front of me and expect me not to dive in.”
“I’m starting the trip with a mug of hot apple cider,” Bess says. “Every twenty minutes, minimum. It’s a must with this windchill.”
“First one to the buffet wins,” Nettie shouts it out like the dare it is.
The crowd before us disperses, quickly revealing the welcome committee comprised of the staff as they greet passengers, and I spot more than a few familiar faces.
Captain Weston Crawford stands at attention in his all-white and very regal uniform, and he’s a beacon for selfies with every female passenger.
There’s Tinsley Thornton, the thorn in my side and our questionably-beloved cruise director. Her forced smile can hardly disguise the simmering annoyance underneath. And next to her is Elodie Abernathy, my sassy blonde bestie, the queen of the ship’s retail world.
And then I see him and the whole world stands still.
He’s the only man I ever need to see again.
He’s tall with dark scruff framing that far too handsome face, and that Italian-fitted suit of his is sharp enough to cut glass. Every woman in the vicinity is craning her neck just to get a better look at him. And I cannot blame them one bit.
Ransom.
My heart does a somersault as I untangle myself from Bess and Nettie before taking off in his direction.
“Ransom,” I shout with my arms outstretched as I ready to launch myself into his strong embrace.
“Not so fast, Troublefield,” a loud, might I add obnoxious, and yet all too familiar voice bellows from behind just before I can reach my intended destination and my entire body freezes mid-flight.
A hard groan emits from me.
I know that voice.
I know that overtly arrogant tone.
Stanton.
I pivot on my heels and my heart sinks like a stone.
Sure enough, there he is, my ex-husband, Stanton Troublefield, standing there with a smug grin plastered on his face and a bleached blonde who looks younger than his own daughter glued to his hip. I gasp at the sight.
Have I mentioned they have luggage?
And just like that, my happy moment comes to a screeching halt.
Stanton Troublefield has some nerve.
And that alone assures me that this cruise will be trouble indeed.
***I hope you enjoyed this preview! Thank you for reading!****