Hey friends! It's a few short days to the much anticipated release of Summer Heat: Love on Fire!
I'm thrilled to share with you an excerpt from the book I contributed to the set and have you meet Ken Cassidy who gets more than he bargains for when he's asked to substitute for an absent groom.
After Jolie Becker is left at the altar, her friends secretly hire a hunky beach bum to cheer her up.
Excerpt:
When she came out of the bathroom, Nikki was no where in sight. Someone knocked on the door.“Room service,” a male voice called.
“Nikki?” Jolie scanned the empty room. Her stomach growled at the memory of the uneaten steak. She crossed the room and opened the door.
Ken stood there, all blond, tanned, and smiling with a bouquet of fresh flowers and a silver platter. “I came to see if you’re okay. I’m so sorry.”
“Sorry about the kiss?” She let him in. “Or that we didn’t finish.”
“Definitely the latter, if you’re all right.” His blue-gray eyes twinkled. “But first, my lady. Flowers and food.”
“You didn’t have to,” Jolie said, even as her heart swelled with joy. She took the flowers, a fiery orange collection of orchids and lilies. “Where’s Carol? Did you leave her alone?”
“She’s playing gin rummy with Nikki. Seems they have a lot in common.” He moved into the room and set the platter on the table. “Sorry, no wine. I figured they gave you medicine for your allergies.”
“You’re really too kind.” Jolie rubbed her hands which still itched. “Why are you being so nice to me?”
“Other than the obvious reason?” Ken feathered his fingers over her shoulders. “You’re not only gorgeous, but you’re strong and brave, and I want to get to know you better. Will you let me be your honeymoon date?”
Jolie giggled and her heart did a cartwheel. “You make me sound like a cheater. Whoever heard of a honeymoon date?”
“Fine, then, honeymoon hunk, but that would be too arrogant, wouldn’t it?”
“Honeymoon honey.” She tapped his nose. “Sure beats the bittermoon I was on before I met you.”
He closed in, slanting his head. “Don’t worry, I washed the peanuts out of my mouth.”
“Then what are you waiting for, honeymoon honey?”
“Hunk,” he muttered right before their lips touched.
Jolie closed her eyes and leaned into the kiss. She carefully wrapped her hands around his broad shoulders and inhaled his sweet, minty breath. Even after her brush with death, she felt safe and protected in his arms.
As soon as their lips were pressed together, heat rushed through her like the gas jets in a hot air balloon. Lazily, she swept her tongue across the seam of his lips and sighed into his mouth. Kissing him was like a fairy tale dream, where colors brightened and music chimed. She, who had been numb, picture perfect, plastic, was now alive and awake, in the embrace of her delicious prince.
Somewhere in the fuzzy parts of her mind, a voice told her she was behaving badly—that she was Warren’s fiancée and that she wasn’t fast—not at all. She never threw herself at men, especially a stranger she met at a hotel. How sleazy did that sound?
But the tender way Ken kissed her, as if he cherished her, the way he moved slowly, savoring her like fine wine, drew tears like raindrops from a sunny sky. She should be floating with happiness. She was still desirable, wanted, and even admired.
It wasn’t just how hot he was physically, but the way he cared for her and her welfare. She didn’t deserve how considerate he was. She was a woman men left at the altar, and if he really knew how obsessive she was with her schedules, lists, and restrictions, he’d be gone too.
Wetness flowed down her cheeks and she hoped Ken wouldn’t notice, that he’d keep the sweet nibbles going—that he’d overlook the things she lacked compared to other women—qualities no amount of makeup, which she wasn’t wearing, could cover.
“What’s wrong?” He kissed a tear from her cheek. “Are you feeling blue?”
“It’s those blue memories. I’m sorry, it’s not you.” Jolie hastily wiped a tear. What was wrong with her? She could spoil a romantic evening, not once, but twice. “Did you and Carol see the end of the show?”
“I stayed because you made me promise to stay, but I wanted to be with you.” He wiped the corner of her eye. “Am I making you uncomfortable by coming on so fast?”
“No, I love kissing you. I don’t want this to stop. Bet you think I’m this crazy, needy chick who got dumped at the altar.”
“That’s not what I’m seeing.” He twisted a strand of her hair around his finger and swept it over her ear. “You don’t know how grateful I am you’re not married. That was a close call, I’d say.”
“One door closes and another one opens?”
“Exactly. Are you okay with hanging around with me and Carol? How long are you staying?”
“Five days, four nights. Warren went all out for the honeymoon. It’s the only thing he spent money on. I’m lucky he used my account to set everything up.”
“Then I’m in luck, because Carol and I are also staying the same time. All here in Honolulu?”
“Yes, with day trips to the other side of the island.”
“Great. Let’s enjoy our open door.” He caressed her cheek. “No more tears.”
“I can’t promise that. I’m the tearing type. I even cry when I’m happy.”
“Then I’ll kiss them all away, every last drop.” He feathered his lips over her eyes.
Jolie shuddered. It was no use tamping down her feelings. Everything was raw, an open wound, pain and pleasure heightened, extra sensitive. After the way Warren hurt her in front of three hundred guests, what did it matter if sweet talking Ken hurt her at the end of her bitter honeymoon?
Guaranteed to make your blood run hot. Passion, steamy nights, excitement, and suspense. Something to suit every reader's taste. Grab a cool drink (you'll need it!), find a hammock, and curl up for an unforgettable escape.
Don't Go Away. We’re giving away a Kindle Fire loaded with books from the authors of Summer Heat: Love on Fire!!
Join us Tuesday, May 24 on Facebook for our big release day party. We'll be sharing more great teasers, talking about our love of romance, and giving away lots of prizes!
Hope to see you there :)
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