Fresh Fiction Blog | Robyn Dehart

I remember when I was in the fifth grade my Social Studies teacher gave us a scavenger hunt to do that coincided with the Reagan/Mondale election. We had to collect a variety of items, mostly in newspapers and put together our hunt in a notebook. It was the most fun assignment I had all year and it really piqued my interest in the election. And then one time our youth group participated in a scavenger hunt around town during a church retreat. We had to go to a laundry-o-mat and a grocery store and had tasks to complete and Polaroids to take and the entire night was a total blast.

Ever been on a scavenger hunt? Have a list of items to collect or certain tasks to achieve? It can be a race against time or a battle of the wits and simultaneously frustrating and entertaining. This is what I wanted to capture in my current release, DESIRE ME, the second book in my Legend Hunters trilogy. In it Max and Sabine must race against the clock as they go on the hunt to find a secret weapon to put an end to the prophecy that threatens to destroy them both (not to mention the world around them!)

Coming up with the clues and riddles and tasks was such fun and I loved testing their wills and skills as they fought against the clock. And believe me they got into a lot of trouble, not to mention a generous amount of danger.

One lucky reader will win a copy of SEDUCE ME, the first Legend Hunters book – just make a comment and you’ll be entered to win.

I hope you enjoy this excerpt of Max and Sabine’s adventure.

Max settled his back against the wall, prepared to simply wait them out. However, when the stairs above him shifted slightly, Max moved to the edge of the cubby to get a better glimpse. Delicate, pale ankles attached to feminine bare feet crept down the steps.

Bloody hell! Miss Tobias. Did the woman have no sense at all? What was she doing sneaking down to investigate? Surely she did not intend to fight off would-be thieves in nothing more than her nightrail.

He craned his neck, looking for the thugs in the unlit store room. Thank goodness, they were busy rifling through the cupboards. He positioned himself, and once the lady came within reach, he clamped a hand across her mouth and pulled her into his hiding place. Her muffled protests were punctuated by those delicate feet kicking into his shins. He stifled a groan of his own.

He turned her around to face him, careful not to uncover her mouth. Sabine Tobias stared up at him, her eyes wide and angry. He frowned at her, then leaned close to her ear. "Kick me again, love, and I'll let the wastrels get you," he warned in a whisper.

Her lovely, expressive face tensed.

He nodded to the noise around the corner from them, then pulled them further into the darkness beneath the stairs. Thankfully the thugs were making enough noise to cover the sounds of his own struggle with the little minx. Idiots to think they wouldn’t be discovered making all that racket.

He put one finger up to his lips, "Shhh." Once she nodded, he removed his hand from her mouth. But he made no move to release her. She had enough fire in her to do something foolish in the name of bravery. If she let on to their hiding place, she could get them both hurt. He'd taken on two men in a fight before, but three was asking a bit much. So he held her firmly against him. While he wasn't visually able to enjoy Sabine's flimsy nightgown, pressing her this close against him left little to his imagination. She was plump where a woman should be, rounded hips, lush breasts, soft bottom. He tightened his grip on her narrow waist, enjoying the feel of her soft curves. She smelled of fresh herbs and warm bread and felt just as delicious. He inhaled slowly.

"We go upstairs," another of the men said in a harsh whisper. "We haven't found nothing yet." He started up the staircase.

A choked sound squeaked from Sabine's throat. Her eyes widened with fear, and her mouth formed two silent words, "My aunts."

Bloody hell! Looked as if he was going to have to take a chance with those odds after all.

Max grabbed both of Sabine's arms and switched their places. "Stay," he whispered. Then he crept out from his hiding place and grabbed the leg of the man on the lower stair. Max pulled sharply. The thin man fell onto the stairs, hitting his head on the hard wood. The other man turned and ran back down the stairs, heading straight for Max.

It took one solid blow to the man's nose to bring him down. Blood sprayed as the bone and cartilage shifted.

"You broke my nose," he howled. “You son of a bitch.” "Watch out," Sabine cried.

But it wasn't enough warning for the punch to Max's left kidney. Pain radiated up his back and down his hip. He groaned, but shook it off and turned to meet his assailant. Another punch headed his way, but he was able to duck and slam himself into the man, knocking the thug off his feet.

By this time, the noise had awakened the other household occupants, and ladies’ voices came from the rooms overhead.

"What the devil is going on?" one asked.

"Sabine?" another said.

The first man Max had struck was now attempting to get to his feet, but Max was able to hit him on the head, and he sank back to the floor. The one with the bloody nose struck Max on the jaw rocking him backwards. Max would be lucky if the punch only resulted in a blackened eye, and didn’t also bruise the entire side of his face.

The other guy made a direct line toward Sabine.

Three older woman came rushing down the stairs, their night rails flowing behind them. They all carried makeshift weapons: a fire poker, a heavy candelabra, and a small, jeweled pistol.

Excellent. He was getting the shit beat out of him, and Sabine was about to be rescued by the fairy godmother brigade.

Max took another hard blow to his shoulder before he managed to grab the third man and slam his head against the doorframe. A shot rang out. "Get out!" the woman shrieked. "Out, out, out!"

The three thieves wasted no time in scrambling out the door.

"You too," she said to Max.

But Max did not move. Instead he simply stared at his chest where a bloodstain grew across his coat.

"Lydia, you shot him!" Sabine said.

Comments

Yes, our church group of youngsters were sent on a scavenger hunt a bit different than the one you describe. Adults had previously hit clues all throughout the neighborhood...under rocks in people's yards, in mailboxes, etc...and each numbered clue led us to the next clue. When we finally found the last clue it led us to a park far away from our church, where more adults had planned a fun picnic for us. We had a blast! I also had a similar experience to yours regarding politics. A college government class I took happened to occur at the time men were trying to become the candidates for President for the different parties. The professor had us research everything we could find about all of the potential candidates...in newspapers, magazines, radio ads, wherever... We had to decide which man we liked the best and be able to defend our choice both orally and in a written report. It was great and it did, as you mention, make us very interested in the election. Some of the students were old enough to vote. I wasn't.
(Gladys Paradowski 2:09am June 8, 2010)

Of course I meant to say "hid" clues, not hit them. Maybe I am up too late. LOL
(Gladys Paradowski 2:11am June 8, 2010)

Have never taken part in a scavenger hunt, but sounds so exciting.
(Joanne Reynolds 6:21am June 8, 2010)

In my youth, scavenger hunts were wonderful. The youth of today need to do things like that.
Blessings,
Marjorie
(Marjorie Carmony 9:55am June 8, 2010)

I used to have scavenger hunts for birthdays. They were lots of fun
(Pamela Stewart 10:17am June 8, 2010)

I attended a scavenger hunt for a birthday of a friend in high school but.,...that was a long, long time ago
(Yvonne Butler 10:18am June 8, 2010)

Though I've never had a chance to take part in a real scavenger hunt, what I've heard of them always intrigued me. Like others here, I think this and similar entertainments where the brain and body actually come into play, would be a much better alternative for young and old alike to while away time.
(Sigrun Schulz 10:20am June 8, 2010)

I love books like this! I like to try to figure the clues out and rarely do I guess them correctly. :) Thank you so much for posting today so that I know more about your books. They sound wonderful!
(MaryAnne Banks 10:24am June 8, 2010)

Yes, our youth had scavenger hunts - back in the day. I really enjoyed them. Should also have fun with this book!
(Karin Tillotson 10:49am June 8, 2010)

When my children were younger, every easter I would leave clues that led to the next clue and then the next clue and so on until they got to the easter egg at the end. I had them running all over the house and garden so they had really earned the egg.
(Barbara Hanson 10:56am June 8, 2010)

I was never into scavenger hunts but one of my many sisters-in-law used to have the most unbelievable hunts for her kids.
(Diane Sadler 11:03am June 8, 2010)

I've been on a road rally. It sounds similar.
I loved the excerpt and look forward to reading the book.
(Elaine Carlini-Davis 11:06am June 8, 2010)

My kids last year for christmas did a hunt for me around the house for their gift to me it was a ton of fun for them amd myself, Your book sounds great and fun all together and I'm sure it is going to be a hit.
(Vickie Hightower 11:25am June 8, 2010)

Scavenger hunts, any type, brings back wonderful, warm memories of my youth.
Keep writing.
Patricia R.
(Patricia (Pat) Pascale 11:40am June 8, 2010)

The scavenger hunts from my teens and before were fun, knocking on doors, asking for random small items, and crossing them off the list and racing back home. I remember sending my kids on similar missions and the looks on their faces told a lot about the effort they put in the competition. Thanks for reminding me of those times.
(Alyson Widen 11:44am June 8, 2010)

I've never been on a scavenger hunt before, but they always sounded like they'd be so much fun!! I really enjoyed reading your excerpt, and can't wait to read the book. I also enjoyed the little peek into part of your past as well.
(Peggy Roberson 11:51am June 8, 2010)

We planned a scavenger hunt for my son's birthday one year. We had several neighborhood families in on it, so it was great.
(Robin McKay 12:07pm June 8, 2010)

The only scavenger hunts that I've done have been online contests. In books and movies the hunts always lend a great deal of suspense and I am looking forward to reading this trilogy.
(Leni Kaye 12:33pm June 8, 2010)

I enjoyed your excerpt. I always like a hero with slightly rough edges and a sense of humor. I will be looking for this one.
(Dolores Feagin 12:38pm June 8, 2010)

I loved Desire Me. Seduce Me sounds even better. Loosing lust from Pandora's box is original and should be fun. I'm out to BN tomorrow to buy it.
(Sandra Dickey 1:04pm June 8, 2010)

I really enjoyed reading the excerpt.

Yes, years ago when I was very pregnant with my second child I went on a scavenger hunt. My mom was at a nurses convention and this was one of the activities. On Jekyll Island you started off with your list of clues, history of the island and a map then we drove like crazy all over the island looking for the prize slips. We were the big winners accumulating 6 of the 10 prizes. It was so much fun and figuring out the riddles was a hoot.
(Gigi Hicks 1:36pm June 8, 2010)

great excerpt... always loved searching out clues, trying to find things... scavenger hunts are fun!
(Colleen Conklin 1:38pm June 8, 2010)

A scavenger hunt always made me feel like an intrepid girl detective who would solve the mystery and save the day! Desire Me sounds great!
(Rosemary Krejsa 1:58pm June 8, 2010)

Great excerpt! I love scavenger hunts although I don't recall participating in any after about age 12.
(S Tieh 3:16pm June 8, 2010)

I enjoy romance with a little mystery mixed in.
(Sherry Russell 3:38pm June 8, 2010)

Have never participated in a scavenger hunt but always thought it would be a fun activity. Can't wait to read your book the excerpt sounds good.
(Teresa Ward 5:58pm June 8, 2010)

I'll never forget the shock I got when I looked over my teens scavenger hunt list and asked what roadkill was.
(Linda Leonard 6:23pm June 8, 2010)

I haven't done a scavenger hunt in years,hope to read your book.
(Deb Pelletier 6:51pm June 8, 2010)

I went on a scavenger hunt with the Girl Guides once. We had such a brilliant time. Good fun!!
(Mary Preston 6:54pm June 8, 2010)

i had scavenger hunts when i went to summer camp and girl scouts. they were tons of fun. i think i will have to make one for my kids!
(Christy Mitchiner 7:29pm June 8, 2010)

The youth at church frequently
have scavenger hunts and they are
always a hit.
(Lisa Richards 8:15pm June 8, 2010)

I've got Desire Me in my TBR pile. Seduce Me sounds like a great book. I had a birthday scavenger hunt once where I had little presents in each spot as well as clues to the next spot to locate. My mom was always doing something fun like that.
(Deb H. 8:39pm June 8, 2010)

The only scavenger hunts I have particpated in are on author sites. Never done one in real life. Sounds like fun!
(Brenda Rupp 10:37pm June 8, 2010)

I've done scavenger hunts before and they are fun. What a great way to win this book and start on a great trilogy.
(Armenia Fox 11:12pm June 8, 2010)

Man, you leave your desk for a day
and look at all the comments! Y'all are
awesome. Thanks so much for your
kind words, I hope you enjoy the
book. And I'm glad to see everyone
likes scavenger hunts as much as I do.

I'll post the winner tomorrow. So keep
those comments coming tonight!
(Robyn DeHart 11:22pm June 8, 2010)

We used to do scavenger hunts when I was younger, they were such fun. Loved the excerpt, can't wait to start the Legend Hunters series.
(Barbara Elness 11:46pm June 8, 2010)

I've never gone on a physical
scavenger hunt. But I've participated
on several website based ones which
I've enjoyed.

I've got Desire me in my TBR pile so I
need to get my hands on Seduce Me
before I can read it.
(Sue Ahn 2:19am June 9, 2010)

Some of my fondest memories during my pre-teen and teen years were doing scavenger hunts at parties. I actually won a baby duck chick and when I brought it home...my mom said...What we to do with this???? I followed my around for a couple weeks (like I was it's mommy, until I found a family with a acreage/pond that I could give it to. Those were fun fun times!!!
(Mitzi Hinkey 2:45am June 9, 2010)

I have never been on a Scavenger Hunt. They sound like they could be a lot of fun. Friends who have been on one say they had a lot of fun. I feel so deprived!
mom1248(at)att(dot)net
(Patsy Hagen 11:27am June 9, 2010)

Thanks for all the wonderful
comments!

Congrats to MaryAnne Banks for
winning the copy of SEDUCE ME.
MaryAnne, just send me an email
robyndehart @ gmail .com with your
mailing address.
(Robyn DeHart 2:04pm June 9, 2010)

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