COVER REVEAL FOR HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED

by Allison B. Hanson

Genre:

Contemporary Romance

Pub Date:

9/12/2017

Who said mixing work and pleasure

was a bad idea?

For Kenley Carmichael, getting fired

for sleeping with the boss’s husband is almost funny—at 28, she’s

still a virgin. Not that her now ex-boss would believe it—Kenley’s

got the face and figure to attract plenty of men, even if she’s

never found the right one. A job at New Haven Custom Boats is a

chance to start fresh and learn a whole new skill set. Trouble is,

she can’t stop wishing her incredibly hot new boss would introduce

her to some decidedly un-businesslike pleasure . . .

Zane Jackson needs a new assistant, but

when his pregnant sister hires her replacement, she chooses a girl

who reminds him of the kind who broke his heart in high school. Zane

might not be that shy boy anymore, but sweet, sexy Kenley makes him

feel every bit as awkward as he did then—and even hungrier to kiss

her. She’s the perfect woman for the job—but he wants her to be

so much more.

Interoffice dating can only lead to

trouble—unless it leads to true love . . .

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Allison B. Hanson lives near Hershey,

Pennsylvania. Her novels include women’s fiction, paranormal,

sci-fi, fantasy, and mystery suspense. She enjoys candy immensely, as

well as long motorcycle rides and reading.

Website * Facebook * Twitter

SWEET SOUTHERN HEARTS BY SUSAN SCHILD!

Sweet Southern Hearts

Author: Susan Schild

Publisher: Lyrical Press

Genre:
Contemporary Women's Fiction

Susan Schild welcomes you back to the offbeat
Southern town of Willow Hill, North Carolina, for a humorous,
heartwarming story of new beginnings, do-overs, and
self-discovery…

When it comes to marriage, third time’s
the charm for Linny Taylor. She’s thrilled to be on her honeymoon
with Jack Avery, Willow Hill’s handsome veterinarian. But just like
the hair-raising white water rafting trip Jack persuades her to take,
newlywed life has plenty of dips and bumps.

Jack’s
twelve-year-old son is resisting all Linny’s efforts to be the
perfect stepmother, while her own mother, Dottie, begs her to tag
along on the first week of a free-wheeling RV adventure. Who knew
women “of a certain age” could drum up so much trouble? No sooner
is Linny sighing with relief at being back home than she’s helping
her frazzled sister with a new baby…and dealing with an unexpected
legacy from her late ex. Life is fuller—and richer—than she ever
imagined, but if there’s one thing Linny’s learned by now, it’s
that there’s always room for another sweet surprise…

Add to Goodreads

Amazon * Apple * Google * Kobo * Nook

Susan has an undergraduate degree from James
Madison University and a master’s degree (MSW) from The University
of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She has used her professional
background as a psychotherapist and corporate trainer to add
authenticity to her characters.

Susan is a wife, a stepmother,
and a dog lover. She and her family live near Raleigh, North Carolina
where she is busy finishing up the third novel in the Willow Hill
Series.

Website * Facebook * Twitter * Amazon * Goodreads

a Rafflecopter giveaway

COVER REVEAL FOR LOVE ON THE VINE!

LOVE ON THE VINE 

by Roxanne
Smith

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Pub
Date: 7/18/2017

Love is in bloom…

Straightforward Kay Bing has never been
one for subterfuge, although she did embellish her resume just a bit
to land a design job at Free Leaf Concepts, a cutting edge botanicals
firm. Determined to make a good first impression, she’s exploring
the highly secure company greenhouse when her assistant—the much
too attractive Oliver Pierce—confides that he’s actually working
undercover to investigate whether Free Leaf has created a potent new
street drug. Kay doesn’t believe it for a minute—until someone
plants designer mushrooms in her salad. Suddenly she and her sexy
colleague are teaming up to unearth the roots of a dangerous
operation . . .

Oliver not only has a personal stake in
the investigation, his entire career in law enforcement is on the
line. Stubborn, sensible Kay is a distraction he can’t afford, but
as they dig deeper into the case, they discover a chemistry that’s
too heated to deny. When even one wrong move could be deadly, Oliver
may have to risk it all to keep Kay from harm—and convince her they
should be partners for good.

Amazon * B&N * GooglePlay * Kobo * Apple

A Florida native, Roxanne Smith has
called everywhere from Houston to Cheyenne home. Currently residing
in Roswell, New Mexico, she’s an avid reader of every genre, a cat
lover, pit bull advocate, and semi-geek. She loves video games,
Doctor Who, and her dashing husband. Her two kids are the light of
her life and provide ample material for her writing.

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BEHIND PICKET FENCES FOLLOWS FOUR FAMILIES

Behind Picket Fences

by Hend Hegazi

GENRE:    Fiction - contemporary

GIVEAWAY INFORMATION AT THE END OF THE POST!

BEHIND PICKET FENCES Blurb:

Behind Picket Fences exposes four families from behind their comfortable lifestyles and smiling faces. Sharing the same neighborhood, even spending time together, no family knows the truth about the difficulties the others face. 

On the outside, Sidra and Farris have the biggest house and the most expensive cars. What no one sees is their struggle to accept an unfulfilled dream. If they do not adapt to the blows of fate, their malcontent may give birth to deception.  

Mariam and Morgan’s modest home exudes the rich scent of family. With children playing in the yard, they seem picture perfect. But financial struggle is their continuous battle, and their only solution may produce an envy which is more destructive than hunger.

Summer and Porter enjoy youth and the freedom of self-employment. But discontentment and mental instability linger between them. If they are not able to bridge the gap, their search for happiness may have a fatal end.

May and Hasan enjoy peace and true happiness. Illness cares not, however, of letting them relish in their blessings. Only patience and time will prove if this unwelcome visitor is simply passing by, or if it will tear their world apart.

An honest portrayal of love and family, Behind Picket Fences opens our eyes to the difficult truths hidden behind each happy facade.

BEHIND PICKET FENCES Excerpt:

At half past six she began to get worried, but told herself to give him fifteen more minutes. “His will be the next car around the turn,” she assured herself. But the passing of more than a few cars and fifteen minutes made her unable to wait any longer. She dialed his number once, with no answer. She hung up and dialed again immediately. The second time, there was an answer.

“Hello?” the woman’s voice said.

The words Summer had been ready to speak got lodged in her throat and she stood there, barely breathing.

“Hello?” the voice repeated, a little louder this time.

Summer’s hand began to shake and a moment later she let the phone drop from her weak fingers. Her breathing became labored and she raised her hand to her chest to soothe the jabbing, but the pain would not cease. Rather, it spread from her heart and ran all through her body. Her legs suddenly became too weak to hold her and she fell seated to the floor.

What a cruel way to tell me, Porter, she thought as the tears streamed down her face. So cruel.

The guilt in her told her she deserved it. She had deceived him in the worst way possible and broken his heart; why wouldn’t he seek comfort in the arms of someone else?

But then why had he agreed to dinner? Simply to get revenge? To make me feel the pain that I had put him through? Really? Why did I let myself get my hopes up? Why did I think he could forgive me? Why did I not expect him to turn to another woman? All the questions ran through her mind as her heavy breathing turned to sobs and she cradled herself, rocking back and forth. Porter had just shattered the last bit of hope she had been clinging to, and broken any remaining pieces of her heart.

The tears flowed for what felt like hours. When they finally stopped, she stood up feeling drained and jaded. Summer cleaned up the kitchen, her body unable to move at its usual pace. She threw the food directly into the garbage instead of putting it away in the fridge; she wanted no reminders of the evening she had expected to have. Carefully, she walked to her bedroom and stepped out of her dress and into a pair of sweat pants and a tank top. Pulling her hair into a tight pony tail, she turned off all the lights in the house, and paused just outside the bathroom. The medicine cabinet seemed to whisper her name.



~~~~~~~~~~~~~

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Hend Hegazi was born and raised in Southeastern Massachusetts. Despite her desire to pursue writing as a profession, she graduated from Smith College with a degree in biology and a minor in religion. Shortly thereafter, the winds of life and love blew her to Egypt where she has been living for the past 14 years. She is a full time mother of four as well as a freelance writer and editor. Some of her work has been featured in SISTERS Magazine. Her fiction and poetry focus on the human condition, often shedding light on the Muslim American experience. Hend strives to be God-conscious and aims to raise that awareness in her readers. As a common theme in her pieces, the intimate relationship between God-consciousness and love is often explored. Hend’s debut novel, NORMAL CALM, was published in January 2014.

You can read her poetry and blog posts on her website, www.hendhegazi.com, and follow her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/AuthorHendHegazi. For updates on giveaways and special offers, kindly opt-in to her free newsletter at this link http://eepurl.com/bZa7fH.

Both of her novels are available through most major book distributors, or click here to purchase through Amazon: Normal Calm, Behind Picket Fences.

INTERVIEW

Where did you grow up? Siblings? Locale? Were you considered a “bookworm” or a jock? Married, single? Children? 

I was born and raised in Attleboro, Massachusetts. I grew up the middle child between two brothers. I enjoyed swimming (still do) but after the first season of swim in high school, I began to wear hijab, so I opted out of the swim team in subsequent years. (The burkini had not yet found its fame.) I was never fast enough to compete anyway, although I had ‘good form.’) I enjoyed being on the tennis team, but didn’t pursue it after high school. I attended Smith College, hated it my first couple of years then loved it. I graduated in 2000 with a degree in biology and a minor in religion (because a minor in chem was simply too much lab time!). I was enrolled in optometry school in Boston when my plans changed due to a sudden death in the family. I dropped out during the first week, then worked for a year as a chemist (go figure!) in a pharmaceutical lab on the outskirts of Boston. I worked for about a year, then I moved to Egypt (against my parent’s better judgment) to be with my now husband. We’ve been married for just shy of 15 years, and we have four kids ranging in age from 6 to 14. I’m the kind of person who acclimates easily to her environment, so moving here wasn’t too difficult, especially since the culture is the same that my parents raised us in. Nevertheless, there are some things I simply can’t adjust to (the crazy traffic is the first thing that comes to mind, followed closely by the atrocious educational system, just to name a couple).

Who are your favorite authors and favorite genres? 

My favorite author is Khaled Hosseini. And while I enjoy many different genres (from paranormal to crime fiction to the classics), my favorite is probably contemporary fiction. I relate easily to the issues contemporary fiction explores as well as the emotions it challenges us with.

Do you have a favorite quote that sums up how you feel about life?

I don’t have a favorite quote, but I used to. It was ‘A baby’s being born,’ meaning that despite all the hurt or ugliness going on, right at this moment, a beautiful, innocent, pure soul is being brought into the world. That used to ease my heart, even temporarily. But now, that exact same quote increases my anxiety; the world is getting uglier by the day, and the children will be the ones who will (are already??) suffer the most. Unfortunately, I have become a bit of a cynic.

Where do you prefer to write? Do you need quiet, music, solitude? PC or laptop? 

I definitely need quiet to write. Usually I sit at the dining room table in the morning, while the kids are at school. I prefer to handwrite into my notebook; yes, it takes much longer (because eventually everything must be transcribed onto the laptop), but I like the feel of the pen in my hand, I like not being tied down to the computer.

Are you a plotter or a panzer? 

I am a pantser, but I have sticky notes all over my notebook and comments all over my documents that guide me. I find outlines stifle the creative process. I am planning on writing a memoir in the near future, and for that, I will probably prefer the organization of an outline.

Do you use real events or persons in your stories or as an inspiration for stories? 

My characters are never replicas of real people, but they almost always have adopted characteristics from real people that I’ve met. For example, Morgan, one of the men in Behind Picket Fences, was modeled after someone I know and don’t particularly care for. With his inferiority complex and depreciating tendencies, you’ll find that readers won’t like him too much. Hassan, on the other hand, also adopted characteristics from real people. Despite his faults, readers will probably have increased compassion for him.

Do you set daily writing goals? Word count? Number of chapters? Do you get a chance to write every day?

My writing goal is to write for about two hours per day. Somedays that means quite a few pages, other days, it means staring at a blank page for an hour and a half and writing only one page.

What do you hope your writing brings to readers?

I hope that my books teach people a bit about forgiveness and love. I hope that my characters—the ones who seem at first glance to be irredeemable—will, thorough their humanity, arouse a sense of compassion from my readers. I also hope that my books will teach people that, despite our different colors and religions, we all yearn for the same things: love and compassion. I hope that my readers will learn a bit about what it means to be Arab American, and begin to feel that reading about Muslim characters is just as normal as reading about characters who are Christian, Jewish, Buddhist, agnostic, atheist, or anything else.

What long-term plans do you have for your career?

I’m currently finishing up the first draft of my third novel. It’s about a topic I have limited knowledge of (high functioning autism), so I still have much research and then re-writing to do. Once that book is complete, I hope to start on my memoir.

What advice would you give to unpublished authors?

OWN it! I don’t mean the pieces of writing that you produce, but your craft. Once you start calling yourself a writer, you start taking your writing career seriously; that is the first step in succeeding.

Share a fun fact readers wouldn’t know about you.

I hate my handwriting. Weird, right? I mean, you’d think a writer, and one who tends to write with pen and paper rather than on a computer, would have developed handwriting that she’s proud of. But no. I hate it.

Share something about you that would surprise or shock readers.

I tend to be a quiet person, preferring to listen than to talk. I’m not really a trouble maker, never was. But…when I was a senior at Smith, one of my friends and I TP-ed our hallway! My friend was even quieter, more soft-spoken, and even less likely to start trouble than myself! We zigzagged the toilet paper, using tape to secure it all through the hallway. Our other housemates were surprised by the masterpiece that awaited them the following morning when they got up. We cleaned it all up, of course, but it was such fun creating it.

Where did you grow up? Siblings? Locale? Were you considered a “bookworm” or a jock? Married, single? Children? 

I was born and raised in Attleboro, Massachusetts. I grew up the middle child between two brothers. I enjoyed swimming (still do) but after the first season of swim in high school, I began to wear hijab, so I opted out of the swim team in subsequent years. (The burkini had not yet found its fame.) I was never fast enough to compete anyway, although I had ‘good form.’) I enjoyed being on the tennis team, but didn’t pursue it after high school. I attended Smith College, hated it my first couple of years then loved it. I graduated in 2000 with a degree in biology and a minor in religion (because a minor in chem was simply too much lab time!). I was enrolled in optometry school in Boston when my plans changed due to a sudden death in the family. I dropped out during the first week, then worked for a year as a chemist (go figure!) in a pharmaceutical lab on the outskirts of Boston. I worked for about a year, then I moved to Egypt (against my parent’s better judgment) to be with my now husband. We’ve been married for just shy of 15 years, and we have four kids ranging in age from 6 to 14. I’m the kind of person who acclimates easily to her environment, so moving here wasn’t too difficult, especially since the culture is the same that my parents raised us in. Nevertheless, there are some things I simply can’t adjust to (the crazy traffic is the first thing that comes to mind, followed closely by the atrocious educational system, just to name a couple).

Who are your favorite authors and favorite genres? 

My favorite author is Khaled Hosseini. And while I enjoy many different genres (from paranormal to crime fiction to the classics), my favorite is probably contemporary fiction. I relate easily to the issues contemporary fiction explores as well as the emotions it challenges us with.

Do you have a favorite quote that sums up how you feel about life?

I don’t have a favorite quote, but I used to. It was ‘A baby’s being born,’ meaning that despite all the hurt or ugliness going on, right at this moment, a beautiful, innocent, pure soul is being brought into the world. That used to ease my heart, even temporarily. But now, that exact same quote increases my anxiety; the world is getting uglier by the day, and the children will be the ones who will (are already??) suffer the most. Unfortunately, I have become a bit of a cynic.

Where do you prefer to write? Do you need quiet, music, solitude? PC or laptop? 

I definitely need quiet to write. Usually I sit at the dining room table in the morning, while the kids are at school. I prefer to handwrite into my notebook; yes, it takes much longer (because eventually everything must be transcribed onto the laptop), but I like the feel of the pen in my hand, I like not being tied down to the computer.

Are you a plotter or a panzer?

 

I am a pantser, but I have sticky notes all over my notebook and comments all over my documents that guide me. I find outlines stifle the creative process. I am planning on writing a memoir in the near future, and for that, I will probably prefer the organization of an outline.

Do you use real events or persons in your stories or as an inspiration for stories? 

My characters are never replicas of real people, but they almost always have adopted characteristics from real people that I’ve met. For example, Morgan, one of the men in Behind Picket Fences, was modeled after someone I know and don’t particularly care for. With his inferiority complex and depreciating tendencies, you’ll find that readers won’t like him too much. Hassan, on the other hand, also adopted characteristics from real people. Despite his faults, readers will probably have increased compassion for him.

Do you set daily writing goals? Word count? Number of chapters? Do you get a chance to write every day?

My writing goal is to write for about two hours per day. Somedays that means quite a few pages, other days, it means staring at a blank page for an hour and a half and writing only one page.

What do you hope your writing brings to readers?

I hope that my books teach people a bit about forgiveness and love. I hope that my characters—the ones who seem at first glance to be irredeemable—will, thorough their humanity, arouse a sense of compassion from my readers. I also hope that my books will teach people that, despite our different colors and religions, we all yearn for the same things: love and compassion. I hope that my readers will learn a bit about what it means to be Arab American, and begin to feel that reading about Muslim characters is just as normal as reading about characters who are Christian, Jewish, Buddhist, agnostic, atheist, or anything else.

What long-term plans do you have for your career?

I’m currently finishing up the first draft of my third novel. It’s about a topic I have limited knowledge of (high functioning autism), so I still have much research and then re-writing to do. Once that book is complete, I hope to start on my memoir.

What advice would you give to unpublished authors?

OWN it! I don’t mean the pieces of writing that you produce, but your craft. Once you start calling yourself a writer, you start taking your writing career seriously; that is the first step in succeeding.

Share a fun fact readers wouldn’t know about you.

I hate my handwriting. Weird, right? I mean, you’d think a writer, and one who tends to write with pen and paper rather than on a computer, would have developed handwriting that she’s proud of. But no. I hate it.

Share something about you that would surprise or shock readers.

I tend to be a quiet person, preferring to listen than to talk. I’m not really a trouble maker, never was. But…when I was a senior at Smith, one of my friends and I TP-ed our hallway! My friend was even quieter, more soft-spoken, and even less likely to start trouble than myself! We zigzagged the toilet paper, using tape to secure it all through the hallway. Our other housemates were surprised by the masterpiece that awaited them the following morning when they got up. We cleaned it all up, of course, but it was such fun creating it.

GIVEAWAY INFORMATION

Hend Hegazi will be awarding one copy of NORMAL CALM and a copy of BEHIND PICKET FENCES (U.S. and International) to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

BURIED SECRETS IS ON SALE!

Buried
Secrets

Sequel
to The Cavanaugh House

by
Elizabeth Meyette

Genre:
Paranormal Mystery

When
Jesse Graham almost runs over a “body” in the road one night, she
is plunged into a labyrinth of secrets, lies and murder. All Jesse
wants is a simple life teaching at St. Bart’s… and a chance at
love with Joe Riley. She realizes that plan has been thwarted when
puzzling occurrences at St. Bartholomew Academy for Girls get
increasingly dangerous. The danger doesn’t just spring from the
ghost who haunts the grounds of St. Bart’s, but from a sinister
presence that is not ghostly at all. As she digs into the mystery,
threats on her life and the life of her student escalate.

Which
danger threatens her life the most? The ghost haunting her student or
the secrets buried in the school?

**Can
easily be read as a standalone!**

Add to Goodreads

On
Sale for .99 cents!!

Amazon

The
Cavanaugh House

by
Elizabeth Meyette

About
the Book

When
Jesse Graham unlocks the door to the deserted house she inherited
from her Aunt Helen, she doesn’t realize she’s unlocking secrets
that had lain dormant for years. Reeling from a broken engagement to
acclaimed musician Robert Cronmiller, Jesse wants to leave the city
where her name is linked to his in all the society pages. Her best
friend Maggie, aka Sister Angelina, convinces her to take a job at a
private girls school in the pastoral Finger Lakes region of upstate
New York. Anticipating a quiet, revitalizing life in her aunt’s
deserted house, Jesse is instead thrown into a maze of danger.
Questions about her aunt’s death lead Jesse to investigate events
surrounding it and the people involved, but she uncovers a web of
deceit that reaches far beyond the occurrences of over two decades
earlier. Still dejected from her broken engagement, Jesse finds it
difficult to trust anyone, even her self-absorbed mother. Joe Riley
is irresistible, but secrets obstruct involvement with him until
Jesse can solve the secrets of the Cavanaugh House. Someone doesn’t
want those secrets unearthed and will stop at nothing, even murder,
to keep them hidden.

Goodreads * Amazon

Author,
blogger and believer in dreams-come-true, Elizabeth Meyette fell in
love with books as a child when her sister read her Goldilocks and
the Three Bears. "She had me at 'Once upon a time...',"
Elizabeth admits. A native of upstate New York, Elizabeth now lives
in West Michigan with her husband Richard. She retired early from
teaching to pursue her passion: writing. "Yes, I hear voices in
my head and I give them names and call them characters."

Elizabeth
describes her books as “a little mystery, a little history, a
little romance.” She has also written several children’s books
are in line for publication in the near future. Her poetry has
appeared in various anthologies.

A
native of upstate New York, Elizabeth now lives in Michigan with her
husband Richard. They have an agreement that she cannot cook on
writing days after he endured burnt broccoli and dry chicken.
Fortunately, Rich is an excellent cook.

Website * Amazon * Facebook * Twitter * Instagram * LinkedIn * Goodreads

a Rafflecopter giveaway

SUNSET READS DUO BY D.C. TRIANA

Sunset
Reads: William & Cristina

A
Sunset Reads Novel Book 1

by
D.C. Triana

Genre:
Romantic Suspense

Within the doors of Sunset Reads William Jameson has come home to take over his mother’s New York publishing house after her death. He’s ready to turn things around when an electrifying encounter with the

company’s sexy bestselling author makes him change his priorities to more sensual plans. While his cruel stepfather has decided he wants control of the company, William tries to remain focused as images of soft brown eyes and sensual lips continue to keep him up at night.

Cristina Cruz suddenly finds herself with part ownership of Sunset Reads. Not only has the previous owner left her with part of the publishing house, but also at the mercy of her son William, the company’s handsome new CEO, who seems to be determined to drive her crazy. Not only is he annoyingly attractive, but his alluring blue eyes continue to send shivers down her spine. Working side by side with him becomes all the more torturous as his enticing looks and their heated encounters send her senses reeling.

Goodreads * Amazon

SUNSET READS: WILLIAM AND CRISTIAN Excerpt

 Opening the door slowly she peeked her head in. “Mr. Jameson, Miss Cruz is here to see you.”

“Yes, yes, I was expecting her eventually.”

Cristina walked through the door, feeling confident in herself and her work. “Were you now?”

He stood up and his long lean body stretched out to enhance every muscle beneath his fitted, black suit. Her confidence suddenly managed to waver and she took in a deep breath and found a way to compose herself. She stood straighter and forced herself to act professional.

Stop ogling him Cristina, he is the enemy and you are a renowned author, get your shit together! She forced herself to look at the deep blue eyes that had been so rude to her moments before.

He stood in front of her, his hand outreached. “Sorry about before Miss Cruz. It truly is a pleasure to meet my favorite author.”

Cristina stood there, staring at this sexy god, not knowing whether to slap him or drape herself around him. She blinked twice, and grabbed his hand in a strong shake. Electricity poured through every cell of her body as his warm hand enveloped hers. She told herself to remember to breathe. “So, you are Mr. Jameson. I’m sorry, but all I know of you, is your last name.”

Cristina’s thoughts went back to her romance novels, when the heroine meets the man of her dreams and everything goes perfectly well, and she knows exactly what to say and how to react... Well, it’s not true. It usually goes down right sour, even though his hand feels warm and strong and he drips sexiness and charm.

He laughed at her comment, an almost unrealistic sound that would send tingles down the spine of any hot blooded woman. “Yes well, you wouldn’t know me. You are far too important to notice a man like myself unless you considered reading Forbes Magazine and Business Journal every once in awhile.”

Was that a quip? She smirked. “I suppose if those matters intrigued me, I would know you. Yet, if you were that important you would have not only been mentioned, but written one of those articles yourself.”

He laughed again. “You are everything Adele said you would be and more.” He let go of her hand, taking its warmth with him. “Please, have a seat.” He walked back to his desk and hit the intercom. “Miss Arias, if you would please be so kind to bring in two coffees, I take mine black. Miss Cruz?”

“No thank you Daisy, I’ll just be a minute,” she answered, averting his gaze by focusing on the intercom in front of her.

He sat down, unbuttoning his suit jacket and leaning forward giving her a glimpse of a strong, tanned neckline and well-developed muscles. She stared for a moment and then blinked trying to glance around the office instead of at him.

“What can I help you with today, Miss Cruz?” he asked, bringing her out of her stupor.

She cleared her throat and forced to herself to look straight at him. “Well, I’d like to know why suddenly I get limitations and deadlines placed upon me?”

He nodded. “I understand why you might be upset, Miss Cruz, but this can only benefit you.”

“And you…you do understand, Mr. Jameson, that if I am forced into a short deadline, I am being forced to produce half assed work.”

He nodded. “Honestly, Miss Cruz, I didn’t feel you could ever possibly produce less than wonderful work.”

“Flattery will not get you anywhere Mr. Jameson…”

“Will,” he replied suddenly.

She paused. “I’m sorry?”                 

“My name is William, I go by Will, I prefer my colleagues call me that.”

She stopped and stared at him for a moment, her mouth slightly ajar in confusion. She shook her head. “Yes…ok, Will…the reason I am here is because I need an extension.”

“And why is that, Miss Cruz?” The deep tone of his voice vibrating in what seemed like fake concern.

Seemingly flustered, she tried to explain… “My inspiration…I am having trouble…I can’t concentrate.”

“Are you telling me you have writer’s block, Miss Cruz?”

“Yes…no…yes, and stop calling me by my last name!” Suddenly feeling aggravated by him, she pressed a forefinger to her temple.

“Oh… and how would you like to be called?”

Shocked, Cristina stared at him; his eyes almost looked endearing, like a small child’s. “Crissy…” she whispered nonsensically.

“Crissy...” he whispered back and smiled. “I can work with that. Well then, Crissy, how long of an extension were you looking for?”

“I’m not sure, deadlines make me flustered and I don’t like them. I don’t work well under them, it’s one of the reasons I chose to work with this publishing company….”

“And are you aware, Miss…Crissy, that because of our lack of deadlines, this company may collapse.” His voice held a slightly serious undertone to it causing Cristina to squirm uncomfortably in her seat.

“I doubt very much….”

“I am not finished,” he said sternly.

She paused, and stared at him in astonishment as he stood and walked to the far side of the office, proceeding to actually pour himself a drink. A drink! In the middle of the day?!  Cristina realized that no matter how handsome he was, Adele was right, he truly was a conniving bastard, a truly slimy businessman who was used to getting his way.

“Neither was I.” Her voice sounding stronger and louder than she meant it to be. Standing up, she walked over towards him.

If he wants to play hardball, then he needs to be prepared for what’s coming.

She stood straighter, coming to stand in front of him. “Now, are you going to give me a drink or will I have to serve it myself?”

William’s eyes widened and he looked at her…then down at the bottle. He slowly handed her the glass he held and proceeded to pour another. Cristina held her breath and took a sip, the dark liquid unexpectedly heating up her insides. She managed not to cough and set the glass down, reaching out for her purse. “As I was saying, Mr. Jameson, I don’t work well under pressure. I’m well aware of your status here, but I also know you are well aware of mine. So I suggest you buy me some time unless you want to lose your best author.”

She went to leave, but quickly turned back around, wanting to get one last glimpse of the handsome man. “And Mr. Jameson, I hope next time you’ll be able to offer me a better drink.”

He smiled at her, a real smile that lit his face up. She quickly stepped out and walked away before she lost her nerve. Cristina felt good as she closed the door behind her, like she had won a battle. There was absolutely no way a man, let alone that man, would place any restrictions on her work. She refused to abide by them and she would make sure he understood it if he wanted to keep her. Her confidence remained strong, that is…until she reached the elevator doors and was stopped by Daisy, his receptionist. Astonished, Cristina watched as the pretty, petite, brunette came running up to her.

Sunset
Reads: Damian & Layla

A
Sunset Reads Novel Book 2

One year.

It’s been one year since Agent Damian Trent left for Washington without a word.

One year since he’s seen her beautiful face.

One year since he’s heard his name on her lips.

He's been recently called back to New York City on assignment, to catch a criminal who’s trying to infiltrate Sunset Reads. The last thing he expects is to work side by side with the woman he turned his back on.

Having her close is an unwanted distraction that he’s more than willing to ignore, if only she wasn’t so damn tempting.

Everything seems under control, until a night of feverish passion has him abandoning all thoughts of reason. Now, he will do everything in his power to get her back, and even more so to protect her.

Layla Reece wants nothing to do with the man who left her a year ago.

The man who took her heart with him, leaving her broken.

After a year of trying to forget Damian Trent, she is finally ready to move on.

But trying to forget him becomes a tedious task when he suddenly reappears in her life.

Although she fights to stay away, his magnetism is too strong and she finds herself giving into the deep timbre of his voice, and the strength and safety of his arms.

Staying away from Damian turns out to be futile, especially when his kisses consume her and his heart shatters the walls she spent so much time building.

Finding herself in danger, she now has to turn to the only man she trusts to keep her safe, but can she trust him enough to give him her heart once again?

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D. C. Triana, Author

D. C. Triana was born in 1982 to Columbian immigrant parents. Being bullied in school made her find a healthy outlet in writing at the age of fourteen. She now resides in Florida with her family and shit-szu, Obi Wan, and works in Human Resources helping others.

Being a hopeless romantic, she is a fan of Pride and Prejudice and spends her free time reading new romance novels and supporting new authors. She won't miss an episode of the Walking Dead and being a huge fan of

Vampires has inspired her to dabble into the supernatural world for her next series. It was always her dream to become an author, and recently that dream has come true and continues to flourish. D.C.'s debut romance novel, Sunset Reads: William & Cristina is now available on Amazon and Kindle Unlimited. It currently has a 4.5 star review rating on Amazon & a 4.3 star rating on Good Reads. She is currently working on her Sunset Reads four part series.

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