Writing is my life. Life is my hobby. ~Emma Lai http://www.emmalaiwrites.com

Friday, September 30, 2011

Savanna, Heroine of Brodie's Bride by Amie Louellen, Shares Her Ten Temptations

Emma,
Thank you so much for inviting me to appear on your blog today. It’s just…well, I have a lot going on right now, so I gave the list of questions to Savanna, the heroine of Brodie’s Bride. I hope you don’t mind.
            Thanks again so much,
Amie

Name Your Ten Temptations...

Material: cashmere, silk, cotton or denim?
Silk. I love silk. And satin. Red satin. Especially sheets…

Hair length: long, shoulder, shaggy, short or bald?
Clean cut guys are my favorite. And there is one in particular one who has dark brown hair with just a little bit of curl in it…

Eye color: brown, blue, green or hazel?
I’ve always loved blue eyes, but that was before a met a certain green-eyed man. A girl can change her mind, right?

Performing arts: 0pera, ballet, Broadway or symphony?
Since I live in Vegas, and I’m terrified of flying I’ve never been to a show in New York. But I have to say, I think The Strip has the best that entertainment can offer. I mean, we have Tom Jones!

Jewelry: diamonds, pearls, jade or rhinestones?
Diamonds. Definitely diamonds. After all, they’re a girl’s best friend.

Flowers: orchids, roses, lilies or daisies?
Orchids are my absolute favorite. I was going to have them at my wedding to Parker, but that didn’t work out so well. Instead, I married Brodie at a chapel just off The Strip and… Well, I didn’t get my orchids.

Alcoholic beverage: Champagne, wine, whiskey or beer?
I don’t normally drink. At all. But…I did have some Champagne with Brodie on our wedding night. (wink) Along with a couple of Long Island Iced Teas, but that shouldn’t count since I didn’t know what I was drinking.

Non-alcoholic beverage: coffee, tea, soda or water?
Iced tea—which is what I thought I was drinking when some stupid bartender gave me alcohol. Of course, that’s how I met Brodie, so all is forgiven now.

Favorite snack: popcorn, chips, cookies or candy?
Candy, Godiva’s Chocolate, no questions about it.

Weather: sunny, cloudy or rainy?
I love sunshine. Incidentally, that’s what Brodie calls me, sunshine. Maybe that’s why I like it so much.

Amie Louellen--Brodie's Bride
Available now
from the Wild Rose Press


Amie Louellen loves nothing more than a good book.  Except for her family…and maybe homemade tacos…and shoes.  But reading and writing are definitely high on the list. When she's not creating quirky characters and happy endings she enjoys going to little league baseball games and boy scout meetings. Born and bred in Mississippi, Amie is a transplanted Southern Belle who now lives in Oklahoma with her deputy husband, their genius son, a spoiled cat, and one very hyper beagle.



Blurb--Waking up next to a beautiful golden-haired stranger isn’t the worst thing that has ever happened to Brodie Harper, but staying in a fake marriage in order to gain a new construction contract could very well be.

Savanna Morgan just wanted a way out of an engagement to a man she didn’t love.  Marrying Brodie seemed liked the perfect answer at the time.  Less perfect the next morning when she finds herself disowned by her father and flat broke.  Now she must make it through the weekend. Monday they can get it all annulled and forget it ever happened.

The real problem may be keeping their hands off each other until then.

Excerpt
“On Monday, after our appointment, you’re leaving.”
“I have to go home,” she said quietly, turning away from him to stare into the postage-stamp sized back yard.
“But we have an agreement for the weekend.  I think we should have some ground rules.”
“Good idea.”  Savanna clapped her hands, then rubbed them together as if she were ready to get down to business.  “Like what?”
“We only have two working bedrooms here,” Brodie said.  “Mine and Nan’s.  Do you mind sharing a room with me?”
Her pupils dilated, and he knew she was thinking about the scarlet room they had shared last night.
“My room has two beds,” he continued.  “We can be like Lucy and Ricky.”
She smiled.  “If it was good enough for the Ricardos, I’m sure I can handle it for a few days.”
“We may not so lucky at the Sullivan’s.”
Sobering, she nodded.  “If there’s only one bed there, we can just take turns sleeping in it.”
“Fair enough.” Brodie said.  “Now, as a married couple—especially at the ranch—we’ll be expected to act like a married couple.”
“Okay.  But only around others.  When we’re alone, we can act like we’re not married.”
“Correct.  But sometimes…”  He took a step closer to where she leaned against the porch railing.  “Sometimes married people hold hands.”
He reached out and took her fingers into his own.  Her skin was velvet soft and smelled so sweet, like the mountains after a rain.
“I—I don’t have a problem with that.”
“Sometimes married couples put their arms around each other.”  He placed her hands behind his neck, then slid his arms around her waist.
“That’s okay,” she whispered.  He watched as she swallowed hard.
“And sometimes married people kiss.  Just a peck here and a peck there.  Are you going to have a problem with that?”
“Huh-uh.”  She shook her head.
“Maybe we should practice,” he rasped, bending his head close to hers.
“Maybe,” she repeated before he brushed his lips across hers once, then twice.
His intent had been the small, nearly chaste kiss of old married couple, but once he got close to Savanna, once he could smell her sweetness and taste her heady essence, he couldn’t stop himself.
He pulled her close to him, gathering handfuls of her tank top, securing her to him.  Over and over he slanted his mouth across hers.  Over and over, deeper and deeper, until her whimper brought him back.
He released her, his breath rasping in and out of his lungs in hard painful gasps. 
She grasped the edge of the porch railing, looking as disturbed as he felt.
With demonstrations like that, they may not ever convince Blair and Nan their marriage was an accidental twist of fate, but they would surely convince Red Sullivan their passion was for real.
Brodie ran his fingers through his hair, just one more gesture to keep from reaching for Savanna again.        
            “There,” he managed to croak.  “That wasn’t so bad, now was it?”

Thursday, September 29, 2011

New Erotica Blog

To those of you who keep track of my doings, and those of you who like erotica, I have teamed up with 10 other published/soon-to-be published erotica authors to deliver FREE EROTIC SHORT STORIES. Each week a new installment of an ongoing story will be posted, with each installment written by a different author.


October is the official first month and we're giving away ebooks for random comments. So stop by http://shortstoryseduction.blogspot.com to read a sizzling excerpt and enter to win a sexy story!

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Latest Release

My latest erotic short story from Sybarite Seductions is now available at Amazon.com or Smashwords.com.



Heidi Montgomery is out with the girls at the hottest, new nightclub in town when she stumbles into Steven Kim, her best friend of ten years–before he suddenly decided to walk out of her life five years ago.
Maybe it’s been her self-imposed, five-year celibacy, but she finds herself having the most indecent thoughts about her old friend, and when he invites her into his private domain, she can’t help but hope he wants to explore the meaning of the old saying, Kiss and make up.

Friday, September 23, 2011

Rachel Brimble Shares Her Ten Temptations

Material: cashmere, silk, cotton or denim?
Denim – nothing like it when they fit as they should (for him or me!)

Hair length: long, shoulder, shaggy, short or bald?
Short - always

Eye color: brown, blue, green or hazel?
Brown – Hubby’s (yum!)

Performing arts: 0pera, ballet, Broadway or symphony?
Broadway – my ideal night is a show followed by an intimate dinner for two

Jewelry: diamonds, pearls, jade or rhinestones?
Diamonds – of course!

Flowers: orchids, roses, lilies or daisies?
Lilies – love their smell

Alcoholic beverage: Champagne, wine, whisky or beer?
Wine – wish it tempted me less often!

Non-alcoholic beverage: coffee, tea, soda or water?
Water – I drink at least four pints a day

Favorite snack: popcorn, chips, cookies or candy?
Chips – with cool salsa dip

Weather: sunny, cloudy or rainy?
Sunny – love the heat on skin. A rarity in the UK!



Blurb for Paying the Piper:


Nightclub manager Grace Butler is on a mission to buy the pub where her mother's ashes are scattered but the owner wants to sell to anyone but her. And that owner happens to be her father...who has a secret she will do anything to discover.


Social worker and all around good guy Jimmy Betts needs funds to buy a house for three special kids before their care home closes. Time is running out and he's desperate for cash. He agrees to to a one-time 'job' for bad-man Karl Butler. But in a sudden turn of events, Jimmy finds himself employed by Karl's beautiful, funny and incredibly sexy daughter, Grace. Their lives couldn't be more different, yet one thread binds them: they're both trying to escape the bonds of their fathers. Maybe the only way they'll be free is by being together, instead of alone.

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Vanessa, Duchess of Northbridge, from Leigh Dansey's The Duke's Blackmailed Bride Names Her Ten Temptations

Hello Emma – thank you so much for your kind invitation. I am indeed tempted by many things but here are my answers to your particular enquiries.

Name Your Ten Temptations...

Material: cashmere, silk, cotton or denim? 
I am familiar with only three of these fabrics. Silk and cashmere are so soft and feminine and cotton is very useful for everyday wear. I’m afraid I don’t know denim… is this a fabric from the New World?

Hair length: long, shoulder, shaggy, short or bald?
I will assume your enquiry is related to the masculine sex and I must say I prefer a full head of thick, dark hair on a man – preferably a little windswept. Only thinking about my husband’s fine head of hair sends shivers up my spine.

Eye color: brown, blue, green or hazel?
Mmmm… if blue they must be quite piercing. Green and hazel eyes can be charming but I do not particularly like brown eyes on a man.

Performing arts: 0pera, ballet, Broadway or symphony?
I adore the performing arts. I was most fortunate to attend Mrs Siddons’ final performance at Covent Garden where she played Lady Macbeth. Her farewell speech made me weep and the applause from the whole audience was thunderous. I have in fact appeared on stage myself but this was a rather scandalous occurrence and not one I should repeat for fear of darkening my husband’s reputation as well as my own!

Jewelry: diamonds, pearls, jade or rhinestones?
Pearls are elegant and rather mysterious; combined with diamonds they’re perfect!

Flowers: orchids, roses, lilies or daisies?
Daisies, without doubt. Pretty, feminine and with strong bright hearts they have the tenacity to take root in the wild places I especially love.

Alcoholic beverage: Champagne, wine, whisky or beer?
I am very partial to Mrs Bridgewater’s elderberry wine.

Non-alcoholic beverage: coffee, tea, soda or water?
I absolutely must have very strong coffee on first awakening. Tea is for late afternoon and I do enjoy my cup of tea with a slice of plum cake.

Favorite snack: popcorn, chips, cookies or candy?
Oh dear, I must apologise for my ignorance. What is a snack?

Weather: sunny, cloudy or rainy?
I adore storms – the heavier the rain, the louder the thunder and brighter the lightening the better. For quiet reflection, a late summer’s eve by Huggleton Brook is just the thing.

Thank you so much for hosting me here today, Emma. I do hope your readers enjoy this brief excerpt taken from the story of myself and Ashton, the Duke of Northbridge. I did not intend to fall in love with him but… well, you must read to discover events subsequent to our meeting…

“I had not thought you to stoop so low as to snare a woman who is without the protection of husband or brother.”
“I pity the husband or brother who would attempt to protect you, madam. I’ll wager you have always gone your own way.”
His words struck Vanessa so cruelly she sat upright and drew in a sobbing breath. Had she not been so willful, Papa might well be alive this day.
She sprang up and stood over him, smothering her grief with rage. “You are the most detestable man! I hope”—she ransacked her mind for the worst possible evil she could wish upon him—“I hope I bear you nothing but a pack of girls!”
One corner of Northbridge’s mouth twitched. “I look forward to your efforts most sincerely.”

The Duke’s Blackmailed Bride by Leigh D’Ansey, author of the best-selling e-book, ‘Kincaid’s Call’.
www.leighdansey.blogspot.cm

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Review of After Midnight by Sarah Grimm

Ms. Grimm's debut novel, Not Without Risk, was a five-star story for me, so when I found out about After Midnight, I couldn't wait to read it. I was lucky enough to win an ARC and once I started reading, I couldn't put the book down.

Izzy is a strong heroine with deep emotional scars, and Noah is a hot rock star hero with wounds of his own. Add to that, a sinister villain intent on destroying Izzy and the story is rife with drama and suspense. And if all that isn't enough, the sparks between Izzy and Noah are hot enough to start a fire in a heavy downpour.

However, the story isn't bogged down by heavy-handed or overly dramatic emotions. Rather, Ms. Grimm plays out the scenes and emotions with a fine eye that draws the reader deeper and deeper into the story until pages fly by faster and faster. The reader will experience highs and lows similar to those elicited by the finest musical pieces. Bravo, Ms. Grimm.

Friday, September 16, 2011

Marie Tuhart Shares the Ten Temptations of Angie and Jared from Saddle Up

Material: cashmere, silk, cotton or denim?
Jared: Demin
Angie: Silk

Hair length: long, shoulder, shaggy, short or bald?
Jared: On my woman shoulder length
Angie: On my man short

Eye color: brown, blue, green or hazel?
Jared: I like any color on a woman
Angie: I like dark eyed men

Performing arts: 0pera, ballet, Broadway or symphony?
Jared: Country Music
Angie: Soft rock

Jewelry: diamonds, pearls, jade or rhinestones?
Jared: Pearls
Angie: Pearls

Flowers: orchids, roses, lilies or daisies?
Jared: Orchids because they're delicate like women
Angie: Roses because they're tough like me

Alcoholic beverage: Champagne, wine, whiskey or beer?
Jared: Beer
Angie: Wine

Non-alcoholic beverage: coffee, tea, soda or water?
Jared: Coffee
Angie: Water

Favorite snack: popcorn, chips, cookies or candy?
Jared: beef jerky
Angie: Cookies

Weather: sunny, cloudy or rainy?
Jared: Sunny
Angie: Partly cloudy

Here's the blurb on Quick Silver Ranch: Saddle Up

Angie Davidson finds herself at loose ends after her best friend's wedding and in need of a vacation, so when sexy yet aloof co-owner of the Quick Silver Ranch, Jared Turner, insists she stay to explore their sexual attraction, she agrees. Though she loves being a submissive in the bedroom, Jared's distant air after lovemaking brings back bad memories. Can she show this strong sexy man he has nothing to fear from her, or will he abandon her like everyone else in her life has?
Sexy yet aloof Jared, co-owner of the Quick Silver Ranch is eager to explore Angie's submissive side with two weeks of toys and other naughty play. However, the last time he was this attracted to a woman—mentally and phyiscally—she wasn't able to put up with his Dominant streak. Can Angie see that her vacation with him can be the perfect way of life?

Here's the excerpt for Quick Silver Ranch: Saddle Up (warning: may contain explicit language or images not intended for those under 18)

Angie drank in the feeling of his body against hers. His hardness to her softness, and part of her wanted to melt in a puddle at his feet, another part wanted to be bold and daring. 

“Becca mentioned that you're closing down the ranch for a while.” Maybe a little flirting would work. 

“Two weeks. There needs to be some renovations done, and the staff needs some downtime. It was a good time to do it with Tyler gone.” 

“How much can be done in two weeks?” She thought back to when they were renovating the offices she now worked in, it seemed like it took months and with every little problem the workmen came to her. 

“A lot, if you know how to motivate people.” 

“Really?” Angie tilted her head up and fluttered her eyelashes. “And how would you do that?” 

The corners of Jared's lips tilted up. “Lots of money.” 

Okay, subtle flirting wasn't working with him. Her fingers trailed over his broad shoulder, to his neck, where she stroked his dark brown hair. His hand tightened on her lower back, bringing their hips together. And Angie swore she could feel his hard erection. Good, he wasn't immune to her. 

She let her fingers skim from his neck, down over his shoulder blade, down his spine, over his well-defined ass, until she could rest her palm over his butt cheek. Then she squeezed it. 

“Behave.” His breath brushed her ear and he swatted her ass. 

“You hit me.” She couldn't believe it; he actually smacked her on the ass. Not that it hurt, but heat flowed through her body making her nipples grow harder. She’d never realized a little swat could make her so hot. 

“I'll do worse if you don't behave yourself, Angie.” 

“Promise?” The word was out of her mouth before she even realized it. The music ended, Jared escorted her back to the table and pulled out her chair. 

His palms cupped her cheeks, tilting her face up to his. “We'll talk later.” He dropped a hard brief kiss on her lips before striding away. 

Angie's heart skipped several beats while she observed Jared cross the room. She put her fingers to her lips and sank down onto the chair with her core pulsing with need and her panties wet. If he met her later, they wouldn't be talking if she had anything to say about it.

Links:
To buy or find out more about Marie's books http://tinyurl.com/6jcwda5

You can find Marie at:

Her website: www.marietuahrt.com
Twitter: @mariettuhart

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Sean MacKenzie, hero of Coming Back by Rachel Leigh, Names His Ten Temptations

Material: cashmere, silk, cotton or denim? Silk

Hair length: long, shoulder, shaggy, short or bald? Long

Eye color: brown, blue, green or hazel? Green

Performing arts: 0pera, ballet, Broadway or symphony? Broadway

Jewelry: diamonds, pearls, jade or rhinestones? Diamonds

Flowers: orchids, roses, lilies or daisies? Orchids

Alcoholic beverage: Champagne, wine, whiskey or beer? Beer

Non-alcoholic beverage: coffee, tea, soda or water? Coffee

Favorite snack: popcorn, chips, cookies or candy? Chips

Weather: sunny, cloudy or rainy? Rainy

Blurb for Coming Back

Kelly Hampton loved once...and lost. After two years of looking for Sean MacKenzie in other men--and failing miserably--she takes a vow of celibacy. No sex until she finds love. Then Sean strolls back into her bar, reigniting old flames. No one has come close to understanding or satisfying her like he did. Her body burns for the passion they once shared, but her heart still remembers the pain.

Sean escaped Jessop Hill and his father's fists in the middle of the night without a word--even to his love, Kelly--to protect his battered mother, but he never forgot the explosively erotic relationship he left behind. Now his father is dead and Sean is back for the only woman he's ever wanted. Their reunion is full of fire – but can sexual attraction and noble intentions overcome years of heartache or will Kelly walk away to protect her heart this time.


Friday, September 9, 2011

Jannine Corti Petska Names Her Ten Temptations


Material: cashmere, silk, cotton or denim? Denim

Hair length: long, shoulder, shaggy, short or bald? Shoulder length (This is pertaining to men, right?) If for a woman, long.

Eye color: brown, blue, green or hazel? Blue

Performing arts: 0pera, ballet, Broadway or symphony? Broadway (none really)

Jewelry: diamonds, pearls, jade or rhinestones? Jade  (don’t like jewelry)

Flowers: orchids, roses, lilies or daisies? Roses

Alcoholic beverage: Champagne, wine, whiskey or beer? Don’t drink

Non-alcoholic beverage: coffee, tea, soda or water? coffee

Favorite snack: popcorn, chips, cookies or candy? Ice cream!!!!! (second choice, cookies, but only homemade chocolate chip) ;-)

Weather: sunny, cloudy or rainy? Rainy, dreary, cloudy; in other words, I hate sunshine!

Blurb for LOVE'S SWEET WAGER
 
Her gambler father murdered, Rachel Garrett joins a wagon train west to be with her aunt and the fiancé she's never met.  Her dream is to forget the life she led performing on stage to earn the money her father gambled away and settle down in one place.  But along the trail, she is helplessly drawn to a priest--forbidden fruit--and her hopes are shattered.

Professional gambler Reno Hunter is wanted for the murder of  James Garrett.  His disguise as a priest on a wagon train is foolproof, until he discovers the woman the old gambler wagered in that fatal card game and Rachel Garrett are one and the same.  Can he protect his identity and his heart, or will he surrender to his desire for Rachel and risk being apprehended by the law?
 
Available from:

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Rolynn Anderson, author of Last Resort, Shares Her Ten Temptations

LAST RESORT  by Rolynn Anderson

Corporate fixer Rena Gordon needs to wrench a Canadian resort out of the red in time for the Canadian-American Winter Games-but employees bent on sabotage are blocking her every move. When her loose-cannon sister arrives after being kicked out of yet another school, Rena must face the past she's worked so hard to hide, while fighting her attraction to a local fishing guide.

CIA agent Neal Jackson is undercover as a fishing guide to find terrorists at Big Bay. He needs Rena's confidence to access her employee files without exposing his identity, but despite his vow to keep a professional distance, his feelings for her are anything but businesslike.

Caught between vengeful employees, a sister who likes to party, and a hot CIA agent-Rena's corporate training didn't prepare her for this. Can she trust her instincts to save the people and resort she's grown to love?

Rena’s role as a ‘makeover’ artist (corporate ‘fixer’) suits her well.  She was raised in poverty and has essentially converted herself into a well-educated and competent administrator.  Through research and observation, she’s learned to mimic the behavior and attitudes of successful people, but she wonders if she’s lost some essential aspects of herself in the process. 

Material: cashmere, silk, cotton or denim?  Cashmere with jeans

Hair length: long, shoulder, shaggy, short or bald? Long-for versatility-secretly loves to wear a pony tail

Eye color: brown, blue, green or hazel? Green

Performing arts: 0pera, ballet, Broadway or symphony?  Broadway musicals

Jewelry: diamonds, pearls, jade or rhinestones? Diamonds

Flowers: orchids, roses, lilies or daisies? Lilies

Alcoholic beverage: Champagne, wine, whiskey or beer? A crisp Chardonnay, unoaked

Non-alcoholic beverage: coffee, tea, soda or water? Starbuck’s Sumatra coffee

Favorite snack: popcorn, chips, cookies or candy? Pita chips

Weather: sunny, cloudy or rainy? Sunny, by a fishing stream, with a fly rod in her hand

SUSPENSE SPIKED WITH ROMANCE


LAST RESORT - on sale now 
print and download


The Wild Rose Press: 
http://tinyurl.com/682vwgv

Amazon.com: 
http://tinyurl.com/3cq6d7b


Web: http://www.rolynnanderson.com
Blog: http://blog.rolynnanderson.com/
Facebook: http://tinyurl.com/63vsnmt

Friday, September 2, 2011

Brenda Whiteside, author of Sleeping with the Lights On, Compares Her Ten Temptations


Hi Emma. Love the Ten Temptations idea. I’ve posed the questions to Sandra Holiday, my heroine in Sleeping with the Lights On. We decided to compare answers!

Material: cashmere, silk, cotton or denim?

Me: I’m such a denim person. I have more jeans than any other kind of pant hanging in my closet. I have several denim jackets. My favorite light weight coat is knee length and denim.

Sandra: Right now it’s denim. And it will probably stay denim if Carson is the man in my life. You know how those country western singers are. But if Wesley and I stay together – well the man is a millionaire. I may have to buy my first cashmere!

Hair length: long, shoulder, shaggy, short or bald?

Me: I love, love, love long hair – on men and women.

Sandra: You’re just an old hippy, Brenda. I like my hair long and so do my men. But I don’t like a guy’s hair to be longer than mine. I do like it long enough that I can get a hand full when I’m caressing his neck.

Eye color: brown, blue, green or hazel?

Me: I can’t say I have a favorite color. I love expressive eyes in any shade.

Sandra: Mmm…you should see Carson’s blue eyes, peeking at you from under the brim of his hat. It’s enough to make you squirm in your seat when he’s up on stage singing some country love song.

Performing arts: 0pera, ballet, Broadway or symphony?

Me: Oh Broadway has my vote. I love the theater.

Sandra: I’ll have to agree with Brenda. Although, I once mentioned to Carson that I’d like to see a ballet. That was back when we were married. Las Vegas didn’t and probably still doesn’t have a ballet so he was pretty safe in saying we’d go some time. We never got around to it.

Jewelry: diamonds, pearls, jade or rhinestones?

Me: Do I have to pick just one? I guess I’d go with diamonds. They do go with everything, don’t you think?

Sandra: Of course they go with everything. Carson gave me pearl and diamond earrings the first year we were married. You know how many years ago that was! I quit wearing them after the divorce. Hmm…I should get them out again. Wesley and I haven’t been dating long enough for him to give me jewelry. I can only imagine what he’d come up with. Probably some jade antique broach thing. I’m sure I’d love it.

Flowers: orchids, roses, lilies or daisies?

Me: Daisies. Always. I said I’d marry the man who gave me daisies so after my husband and I got engaged, he gave me daisies. Smart of him.

Sandra: Ugh! Don’t mention roses to me. I have a secret admirer who leaves me different colors of roses. He’s trying to tell me something and I can’t figure out what. Wesley won’t admit it’s him and really it’s not his style. He’s a more in your face kind of lover, not the secret romantic type. I’d really prefer orchids.

Alcoholic beverage: Champagne, wine, whisky or beer?

Me: I love red wine of any kind but I like a sweet white occasionally, too.

Sandra: Sigh…Beaujolais. In Nashville. Okay, snap out of it, Sandra. I keep going back to Carson memories. Been there, done that, Carson. But I do like wine best. Although, the Champagne Wesley and I had the other night at dinner was to die for. So I guess I’d say any red wine or expensive Champagne.

Non-alcoholic beverage: coffee, tea, soda or water?

Me: Sad to say, coffee.

Sandra: Why sad to say? I heard the other day that a couple of cups of coffee a day is very good for women. So I’m a proud coffee drinker. If only I could remember to go to the store and get some. I keep running to Starbucks in my pajamas for my morning cup.

Me: You really should stop doing that!

Sandra: Like I have any choice! My week has been topsy turvy with the secret admirer, that redheaded Amazon stalker following me, Wesley’s attentions and now Carson shows up after eighteen years looking all sexy and inviting.

Favorite snack: popcorn, chips, cookies or candy?

Me: I’m not a snacker but if someone puts fresh baked cookies in front of me – well, I can’t have just one.

Sandra: Chocolate! And I could use a case this week.

Weather: sunny, cloudy or rainy?

Me: What I love is weather changes. If we’ve had a stretch of sun then I love a cloudy day. And rainy days are great now and then if you’ve got a good book to read and nowhere to go.

Sandra: Give me the sun. Las Vegas has a lot of sun.

Me: Sandra! You’re thinking about Carson again.

Sandra: Do you blame me?

Me: Thanks, Emma. That was fun.

Sandra: Yeah, thanks. Brenda was a bit dull, but I hope I gave you a peek at what I’ve been up against lately.

Blurb:

After two failed marriages and countless relationships, Sandra Holiday thinks she’s met the man to end her years of less than perfect choices; choices that not only derailed her travel-related career plans but also left her single and broke. 

Carson Holiday, a Las Vegas country crooner with swoon-inducing good looks, spent his adult life pursuing a recording contract and love, never holding on to either. After eighteen years, he drops back into Sandra’s life, reigniting an attraction he can’t deny.

When Carson reappears, Sandra must choose again.  Only this time, nothing’s as it seems.  A secret admirer, a redheaded stalker, and an eccentric millionaire throw her on a dangerous path, with Carson her only truth.

As life confronts her with yet another turning point, will her decisions find her eternally sleeping with the lights on--or will she finally discover a way to turn them off?