Jill Hughey

One Bad Day on First Sight Saturday

Jill Hughey — Sat, 07 Sep 2013 11:00:00 +0000

Edie Hart visits today with her short contemporary romance One Bad Day. Any day that you have to wear a tacky costume is a bad day. Read on!

BOOK BLURB: Tessa is having one seriously bad day. After agreeing to dress as a cheesy mascot at a convention for her boss, her clothes get stolen, she gets chased through a sinister parking garage, and her apartment gets broken into and turned upside down.

Gray, an off-duty police officer, can’t resist the sexy legs he sees in costume at a hotel convention. When he catches sight of her running for her life through a dark car lot, he’s determined to find out what her story is and ends up promising to keep Tessa safe…even if that means taking her home with him.

EXCERPT

Gray stepped outside of the hotel ballroom hoping the air would be cooler out there. He hated stuffy gatherings. Hell, he hated weddings. How two people could think they’d love each other forever was beyond him. Gray didn’t do love. Which was why he was stag at a co-worker’s wedding. He’d originally planned to invite Monique, but several months back she’d become demanding and talked about moving into his place with hearts and flowers in her eyes. So he’d ended it. Deep down, he’d known that she didn’t really want him. She wanted any warm body that would take care of her. She had slowly been trying to mold him into some GQ tycoon, telling him what to wear, how to act, and even going as far as telling him what he needed to do career-wise.

A loud crash on the other side of the hall caught Gray’s attention. In the open ballroom across the way he saw legs. Glorious legs in strappy high heels. The beautiful legs were tangled on the floor and attached to an ass that was just as gorgeous. After taking a closer look, Gray realized that above the amazing ass was an enormous, white light bulb-shaped head with blue googly eyes. It had blonde hair and wore a glittery purple hat. The tangled-up legs and heels were flailing around in a pile of what looked like empty light bulb boxes. Several gentlemen nearby were quick to help Legs get her feet beneath her. From their smiles and laughter he could tell that they were all quite happy to be of assistance. Gray didn’t blame them.

He watched Legs find her balance in those high heels, and with a little wiggle and tug of her skirt she went on her way.

END OF EXCERPT

Here are links to the places you can find One Bad Day.

Book Links:

To follow Edie Hart, visit these sites.

Website

Facebook

Twitter

Cover Reveal for Little Witch

Jill Hughey — Wed, 21 Aug 2013 11:00:00 +0000

Here is the cover for my soon-to-be-released historical romance novella, Little Witch. (A novella is shorter than most novels but longer than a short story. At 49,000 words, Little Witch just brushes the edge of novel-length.) This is the 5th installment in the series and it chronologically follows Vain. If you haven’t read anything in the series, you can start with the bundle of the first two books, priced so it is like getting one for free. Evolution Series Bundle

Little Witch is the story of Nox who was introduced as the Lord of Ribeauville’s stableboy in Vain. As an adult, Nox diligently withholds his scarred heart from Salena, a rural outcast who dreams of escape from cruel neighbors and tedium.

The cover is by Rae Monet who has done all the covers for the Evolution Series you can see on this blog.

Sweet Lenora on First Sight Saturday

Jill Hughey — Sat, 17 Aug 2013 11:00:00 +0000

Today we have an interesting excerpt from a historical romance novella by Ute Carbone called Sweet Lenora. I say “interesting” because it is written in the first person point of view, and uses some antique word choices that make the reader really move back in time. Fun stuff!

SETUP OF THE SCENE: Lenora Brewer has stowed away on the Sweet Lenora. She’s been found out and, after stopping some of the crew from accosting her, Anton Bourdreaux has her taken to his cabin. This is the first time they speak to one another.

EXCERPT

I was in the captain’s quarters, of that I had no doubt. Which meant that the dark haired man was none other than the infamous Captain Anton Boudreaux. Curious to find out more, I went to the log. Not much was writ on the page, merely records of what the ship carried and the weather when she had set sail. Frustrated by such a lack, I sat back in the chair then bolted out again as the cabin door flew open. The black haired man stood on the threshold, examining me with his coal dark eyes. His look suggested he would like nothing better than to tear me limb from limb, and I shrank back against the wall. He stepped inside and pulled the door shut behind him.

For all of Aunt Louise’s insistence that I was a wanton and wild woman who ran afoul of manners, his actions shocked me. I had never stood alone in a room with a member of the opposite sex, much less a room that was a bedroom, and much less a member as handsome and with a reputation such as the one who stood before me now.

His fiery countenance turned my knees to water. He walked to the desk and closed the ledger, then stared at me with a scowl for agood long minute that seemed to stretch to an hour. I wilted under his gaze. He was far taller than I, with broad shoulders, and I was frightened of him and desired him at the same time.

One suitor of mine had been daring enough to kiss me in the apple grove. I remembered the kiss as stirring, and though I protested it at the time, a warm feeling had overcome me. It was nothing compared to the feeling that inhabited me now. Heat stung at me and left me feeling pliable in body, my face flushed.

Yet what choice had I but to stand my ground? I straightened my spine and with all the bravado I could muster to my bones, I returned his unflinching stare.

It gave me the opportunity to examine him. He was, I could see, not much older than I. His hair was black as a raven’s wing and waved back from a high forehead. His face was bronzed, chiseled and handsome, with lines about the eyes from days spent in the sun. And those eyes! Dark as midnight were they, with a depth one could fall into.

My stare had an effect. Although the scowl did not leave his face, he blinked, sighed, and went to sit at a chair near his berth. “What am I to do with you?” he muttered under his breath.

“Allow me safe passage?”

“And why, pray tell, should I do such a thing? You are a stowaway. By rights, I ought feed you to the sharks.”

“By rights, perhaps. But you are too fine a gentleman to throw an unarmed girl overboard.”

The remark made him smile, though only briefly. “I am no gentleman. If I were, I would bid you to cover yourself.”

The men had ripped the laces of my gown. The bodice hung low, revealing the curve of my breast. Boudreaux stared at the space between them and I wondered that he did it to shame me. I pulled the torn fabric up to cover myself and felt the bloom of heat on my face. The captain handed me a blanket. “You see, you are a gentleman after all,” I said.

“Being as your naiveté invites trouble, I have no choice in the matter.” He eyed the ledger I so recently had read. “I did not think ladies were given to spying.”

“I was hardly spying. Besides, what makes you think I am a lady?” I had grown more comfortable in his presence. His giving me a blanket proved to me that he meant me no harm. And his eyes had softened somewhat.

“You wear silk. I presume you can read. Someone is no doubt looking for you, so I cannot throw you to the crew or the fish.”

“You see, you are honorable after all.”

“Nay. I have no honor.”

“Yet you protect me from the crew and the fish.”

“’Tis my duty to keep order on board my ship. You cause chaos.” He circled close to me, close enough that I could feel the warmth of his skin. I thought he might kiss me, a foolish notion I invited to keep me company despite my knowing it for the fantasy it was. “So who is it that looks for you?”

“Why would anyone look for me?”

“You have run away. It suggests you are wanted. And that you would rather not be found. You may be naïve, but I doubt you are witless. You risked your very life stowing aboard my ship.”

“I had little choice.”

“And I have little choice but to see you given back to whomever you’ve run from. Since we are already well under way, I shall have to keep you until we reach San Francisco.”

“You will offer me your protection?”

“Long as you warrant it. You’ll stay in the cabin. Unless you would like your virtue compromised by my crew. They will be all too happy to serve in such a capacity.” With this, he bowed and left the cabin. My pulse raced at the thought of his return.

END OF EXCERPT

Oh, the memories of cutting my reading teeth on Kathleen Woodiwiss’s seafaring tale The Flame and the Flower. I’m sure you are eager to stow away with your own copy of Sweet Lenora, so here are the places you can find it!

Sweet Lenora Buy Links:

And if you want to learn more about author Ute Carbone, visit with here here:

Web page: http://www.utecarbone.com/

Blog: http://ute-carbone.blogspot.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Ute-Carbone/234417796596443

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Wildwords2

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5114798.Ute_Carbone

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Ute-Carbone/e/B005G7U8RM/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_pop_1

Telling Stories (available daily via Paper Li): http://paper.li/Wildwords2/1355247882?utm_source=subscription&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=paper_sub#

Thanks for stopping by today. I share an excerpt from a guest every Saturday so sail back this direction next week!

Who’s in Little Witch?

Jill Hughey — Tue, 06 Aug 2013 16:00:00 +0000

My next book, Little Witch, book four in my Evolution Series, is with beta-readers right now, so I’m trying to spend the time I usually spend writing preparing for its release. As last week’s blog shows, I’ve been tussling around with my log line (one line description). I’ve also been fine-tuning the blurb that you’d usually read on the back.

I had cotton-headed dreams of making my own cover but after a weekend of ineffectual stress I gave up and contacted Rae Monet so I can package my 49,000 words in something that doesn’t look like a photographic patchwork quilt. Hopefully in the next two weeks I can reveal my cover here.

But, who is Little Witch going to be about? If you’ve read the other books, you know that all the stories stand alone but tie together through a group of three Carolingian noblemen in the 800s. The most recent book, Vain, recounts Theo’s story. Little Witch will share the story of Nox, Theo’s stableboy. In Vain, we learned that Nox had been orphaned. He was eager to befriend Lily, a reluctant resident of Theo’s household.

We jump forward about 10 years in Little Witch to find Nox a trusted and beloved employee of the Lord and Lady Ribeauville. Because he lost his entire family in his youth, he keeps some distance between his heart and other people.

Our heroine, the little witch, is the younger sister of Nox’s childhood friend. Some cruel neighbors have labelled Salena as a sort of moon-charmer, making her an outcast from their entire community.

Salena was fun to write. I had decided I needed a heroine who actually had a family, so she has both her parents, an older brother, and a new sister-in-law in her household. I especially enjoyed creating the sibling relationship. Playing up the whole bossy older brother dynamic was fun! When she meets Nox, though, she longs for him to see her as she really is. Not the annoying younger sister from their childhood games. Not a witch who played a role in the deaths of his family members.

With Lady Lily’s help, Nox does give Salena a chance….and the rest is in the novella, coming at the end of August!!

Little Witch log line

Jill Hughey — Thu, 01 Aug 2013 18:28:00 +0000

Hi all! I always ask for help on my log line as I get closer to publication because there are people in the world who are so much better at tightening up a message than me. So, with Little Witch: Historical Romance Novella starting to go out to beta readers, here is my first day’s attempt at a log line. Fire away in the comments, or email me at jillhughey@yahoo.com if you don’t want to be all public with your advice. Thank you!

Salena, a rural outcast, dreams of escaping loneliness and tedium after visiting Nox’s town. He protects his scarred heart…until she disappears.

Historical Titles on Book Lover’s Buffet!

Jill Hughey — Fri, 03 May 2013 11:00:00 +0000

I’m so excited that Redeemed is part of the BOOK LOVER’S BUFFET, featuring 175 books all priced at $0.99 from many online vendors, including some wonderful historical romances you can find here. I’m providing a brief overview of each in the list below. Check them out! I’m sure you’ll see some delicious reads you can’t resist. And why should you when they are all 99 cents and calorie-free!??

Rogue’s Hostage by Linda McLaughlin. His hostage. Her destiny. In the midst of a war that threatens the fabric of her life, Mara Finds herself torn between love and loyalty.

An Improper Situation by Sydney Jane Baily
From dusty Colorado to civilized Boston, Charlotte and Reed encounter sinister forces and scorned women. With passions ablaze yet often at odds, they find themselves in a very Improper Situation.

Wear Black by Eilis Flynn and Heather Hiestand

Death did not end his service to the British Empire. Death is only the beginning…Wear Black

Regency Romance: To Dare the Duke of Dangerfield – Book #1 Wicked Wagers Trilogy

Spirited heroine, rakish duke, and three wagers that will change their lives…

Tame a Wild Wind by Cynthia Woolf

He’s looking for work not love. She’s looking for a ranch foreman not the love of a lifetime.

To Wed The Earl – Regency Novella

Miss Miranda Price detests her neighbor Edward Havens, the rakish Earl of Edgerton – but when he catches her breaking into his library at midnight, secrets are revealed that will change the course of their lives… forever.

The Escort by Gina Robinson True love runs deep.

Storm on the Horizon: Kit thinks he’s helping Tatiana to hide her powerful magic from Georgian society, but he’s about to find out her secret’s much bigger than he ever imagined.

An Exotic Heir: Warning–dangerous to your heart: love and revenge in Regency Calcutta.

Ventre a Terre
Rosamund Hilliard, singing for her supper at the grand houses of England, must flee her suitors when her scheming is discovered.

And, last but not least, Redeemed by Jill Hughey. Can a quiet widow help a damaged, secretive man find redemption?

I hope you’ll visit the BOOK LOVER’S BUFFET where you can find a wide assortment of romances for just 99 cents, plus enter to win prizes!

Wind’s Aria on First Sight Saturday

Jill Hughey — Sat, 09 Mar 2013 13:00:00 +0000

This weekend I welcome Tessa Stockton who is sharing a first meeting from her fantasy romance novella called Wind’s Aria. I have to admit to being totally envious of Tessa’s awesome author picture, so I had to show it right away! She looks very wise and creative, doesn’t she?

Anyway, on to Wind’s Aria. First, Tessa sets up the scene for us.

Setup of Scene:

The Il Bora, a magnificent winged creature is charged with the task of dooming the young maiden, Aria, the chosen Songstress, by stealing her voice. If Aria is unable to sing from the sacred platform every dawn, something she was elected to do, peace and abundant life will no longer belong to her people. Only death and destruction will follow. When Aria falters in song, a grave mistake, it’s not because the Il Bora had yet unleashed his evil master’s plan but that she was distracted by his presence, sensing unseen eyes were again upon her from the clouds. All the while, the Il Bora, who has been spying on Aria, is secretly falling for her. He is conflicted about his orders to bring harm to the sweet girl. This is their first verbal encounter…

Excerpt:

From the darkened cloud cover he waited for her. Beginning to understand her routine, he knew she would traipse to the Meleyan’s high orchard. The girl seemed to like it there. Especially in the evening before she turned in to her cottage to sleep.

Watching with intent, the hour grew late and he got agitated with the notion that she might not come tonight. Feathers ruffled, he tried to will her to him, speak to her mind—but he did not have that gift like some of his brothers. About to soar higher, circling the premises, his breath caught when he spotted her. Yet instead of strolling, she ran.

As the girl scaled the last path and set of stairs leading upward to the plateau, he heard . . . crying. Without thinking, he descended to the ground, folding his lumbering wings, and stood still, hiding among the trees that were pregnant with ripened fruit and vast enough to hide his enormous frame.

She fell against a boulder and tucked her head against her slender arms, gasping, sobbing.

Like a mourning angel, the nightingale weeps . . .

“Who said that?”

The young girl shot her head up and then stood like lightning. He flinched, not realizing he’d spoken his thoughts.

“There. I can see you.”

He shifted back further into the shadows, escaping the moonlight. The risk of exposure seemed imminent and he hadn’t meant to take it this far. His master, full of hatred and anger, would probably destroy him.

“What’s that noise? It sounds like you’re dragging ten thousand leaves with you. You can’t be harvesting at this late hour?”

“I’m not harvesting,” he said.

“Then what are you doing besides encroaching on my space?”

“Do you own this orchard?” The question sounded harsher than he intended.

“Well . . . no.”

“Then I believe it is I who arrived before you. I was already standing here when I witnessed you run and throw yourself on that boulder there.” He pointed as if she didn’t know.

“Oh.” She hung her head, her voice slipping to a whisper. “That.”

For some reason an urge tempted him to take her in his arms. It petrified him and he fought the desire. With difficulty, he swallowed. “What has you so sad . . . Songstress?” He struggled to call her by title, for guilt racked his chest. He understood his master’s instructions for the day after tomorrow, though he didn’t share the sentiment. Not this time. Yet, he had no choice in the matter. Obey, he must. That was his duty.

He studied her, as close to the girl as he had ever been. She was young. Much younger than he’d expected for one with such an important duty of helping to edify and channel the abundance of, well, he didn’t really know who she sang to or about, but the task proved to increase the wishes of the city’s populous as a whole. It was nothing to scoff at, in his opinion anyway.

Her face glowed, pale like his, but small and . . . fragile. Petite might serve as a better description. Her long, orange hair fell to one side, as she stared at the dirt surrounding her feet. Her neck, delicate and slender, seemed somehow . . . inviting?

Waves of some unknown sensation coursed through him and he questioned it. Perplexed by this girl, he continued the scrutiny as she struggled to form words, her lips quivering. The silence enveloped them and he soon realized that she chose to refrain from speaking further, her chin still tucked.

“Why so sad?” He meant to ask the question with more confidence, but the words whispered out little more than a murmur.

“I’ve caused great harm to us this day. Haven’t you witnessed the sky?”

“Yes, and I find it particularly pleasing today.” He ascertained the thick covering of darkness and smiled, satisfied.

“How can you say that! There is no sun. Without it we can’t grow anything. We’ll be lost.” The girl sniffed. “I only hope that this one day without light is punishment enough for my mistake.”

He tilted his head, curious. “What mistake?”

“On the dais, I got . . . distracted. Lost my train of thought and had difficulty finishing the song. I’ve never made such an error before and I fear—” She squeezed the bridge of her slight nose. “Well, didn’t you hear? Weren’t you just at the plaza for the opening of the Sheaves Festival?”

“No.”

“No?” Her voice rose, incredulous. “Everybody attends—”

“I don’t.”

“Who are you?”

He pushed further back into the shadows as she strode closer. “Someone you need not know.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

When he didn’t answer, she sighed.

“What a strange, terrible day,” she mumbled. “Well, at least tell me your name . . .”

He stood, speechless, knowing he shouldn’t be there at all—conversing with a Meleyan—especially not their musical deliverer that he was set to doom the day after tomorrow.

A peculiar grumbling interrupted her insistence, to his relief.

“Sorry.” She patted her stomach. He could see, even in the blackened night, how her face turned a deeper shade of red than her hair. “I’ve forgotten to eat. I guess I’m hungrier than I realized.”

He plucked an apple from the tree he’d nearly become a part of and held it out to her.

The girl approached tentatively. She reached for the fruit but recoiled when her fingers brushed his.

“Is touching me so horrible?” he asked.

Her jaw dropped open and her delicate brow furrowed. She inclined her head. “It . . . hurt.”

“How?” he asked, for her fingers felt good to him, soothing. Warm. He wanted to try again.

END OF EXCERPT

Wind’s Aria on Amazon

Bio:

A former choreographer, dancer, and musician, Tessa Stockton now writes romance and intrigue novels in a variety of genres.

Follow links: If you want to learn more about Tessa, here are links to many of her pages.

www.TessaStockton.com

https://www.facebook.com/tessastockton

http://twitter.com/TessaStockton

http://www.linkedin.com/pub/tessa-stockton/29/553/222

http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4639560.Tessa_Stockton

Thank you, Tessa, for sharing your work with us today!

TV Tycoons on First Sight Saturday

Jill Hughey — Sat, 29 Dec 2012 13:00:00 +0000

Today on First Sight Saturday I welcome Meg Bellamy with her contemporary romantic comedy novella set in reality TV, TV Tycoons, which is a prequel to TV Bride.

SET UP:

The Leopard’s Lair is a reality TV show where new entrepreneurs present ideas and compete for successful, rich people to invest in their businesses.

Jillann Ryan has to win the top prize on The Leopard’s Lair. Without that money, she can kiss her chance to go to medical school good-bye. Or worse, her brother Derek will go bankrupt.

Zach Vincenzo eats, sleeps and dreams business. He needs to win The Leopard’s Lair to keep his growing company out of the red.

EXCERPT:

Zach Vincenzo couldn’t wait to get on the sound stage to present his pitch. The Leopards had to go for it, had to see his was the most brilliant idea to come down the pike in ages. Overextended because he’d expanded too quickly, he needed an infusion of cash to tide him over until he got his balance back. Six months should do it. Just this once, he was willing to put up with having an investor involved — for a short time. Zach would break speed records to pay back the investment with interest and regain his total independence.

The moment the emcee completed his introduction, Zach strode out and looked the Leopards straight in the eye. “My business, Beauty and Health, which brings salon services to patients, has proven to be a natural money maker in hospitals.” He expected people to be impressed by his brilliant concept, so he was almost thrown when they gazed back, less than overwhelmed. Luckily, he had an innate ability to regroup and change direction. He’d wow them.

“Didn’t anybody screen these people?” Carl bellowed. “Two in a row with the same idea.”

What? Someone stole my idea? Zach would have to check into that. But first things first. He needed to focus. No bump in the road would throw him off course. “I’m already established with services in seven hospitals, and I have my eye on five more for immediate expansion.” He took a deep breath. “I did a careful search when I began. There was no competition, no one else in the field. Who’s popped up so suddenly?”

Ted Miscavage, the head Leopard, frowned. “The producers asked me to help with this segment. We don’t usually have two people with similar ideas on the same program. At first, when you both applied, they were going to choose one. Then they consulted with me and we decided to try something different.”

“What do you mean?” Carl growled.

“Thinking outside the box, it’s what successful entrepreneurs do.”

Nothing about this presentation was going the way Zach expected. He didn’t like to be thrown a curve ball when he’d prepared for a straightforward pitch.

Ted rose and called to someone offstage, “Send out the other hospital beauty person.” He turned back to Zach. “Time for the two of you to meet.”

What? He had competition here on the show? What the heck? Zach’s surprise grew when his competitor turned out to be a drop-dead gorgeous blonde whose smile outshone the studio wattage. Under any other circumstances, he’d ask her out on a date.

Ted lumbered across the sound stage, clamped a hand on Zach’s shoulder and on the woman’s and introduced him to Ms. Couldn’t Possibly Be Competition, Jillann something.

“Are the cameras still rolling?” Zach snapped.

“Yes. We figure what’s happening now is an original twist, and that will make our show unique.” Ted bared his teeth in what might have been a smile.

Zach bit back frustration and held out his hand. “Pleased to meet you, Ms. –“

“Ryan. Jillann Ryan.” She spoke softly but had a strong grip.

Zach looked into intelligent, clear blue eyes that flashed a hint of steel. Beautiful and bright. Definitely nobody’s pushover. He stood even straighter and marshaled his forces. Challenges wreaked havoc on schedules. How big a threat to his future stood before him right now?

At first, Jillann thought being called back on stage signaled good news. Her heartbeat had sped up. Seeing the tall, dark-haired hunk with the smoldering gray eyes hadn’t clued her to start worrying, despite his frown.

“Zach Vincenzo.” He peered at her.

Should his name mean something? Nothing sprang to mind. Why was he narrowing his eyes while all the Leopards stared and Carl smirked? “What’s going on?” No sense playing guessing games.

Ted Miscavage started to explain, but Roberta popped out of her chair. “Let me do this.”

Jillann’s stomach flip-flopped as her inner pessimist took over. She braced herself. If she failed here today, she’d have to postpone med school. Again. No way would she let Derek go under. Since their brother Nick wouldn’t be able to save the day on his own — Jillann needed to focus.

” — never happened before.” Roberta rattled on, “First of all, your ideas have our attention. Because they’re so similar, we’ve decided to do something unprecedented. We’ll give you a week to decide how to combine your ideas to come up with something that will blow us away. You’re both strong candidates. We want to see what you two working together bring back.”

Zach glared at Jillann before turning to the Leopards. “I don’t work with partners.”

END OF EXCERPT

Sounds like Zach is going to get an attitude adjustment under the glare of reality TV lights!

TV Tycoons on Amazon

Visit Meg Bellamy’s website

Thank you for sharing an excerpt on First Sight Saturday, Meg.

Give and Receive on First Sight Saturday

Jill Hughey — Sat, 08 Dec 2012 13:00:00 +0000

Today on First Sight Saturday I welcome Alisa Anderson, author of Give & Receive, a 53 page erotic romance novella. (Don’t worry, Alisa has kept her excerpt PG!) Alisa has written a great first meeting between a strong woman and a man who sounds like he needed one. Take it away, Alisa!

SCENE SETUP: Ty Malone, Lead singer of the band, Retribution, is remembering the first time he met his best friend, club owner and pr tycoon Lena Roman. As an unsigned act at the time, Lena, who was senior editor at Rollingstone magazine, gave their band a feature spot on her main page. She is also none too thrilled he shows up late.

EXCERPT: As he walked up to her at the local coffee shop, all those years ago, she barely spared him a glance and continued typing on her laptop.

“You’re late.”

Thirty-three minutes late, to be exact. Because he got hung over the night before and just simply didn’t feel like getting out of bed.

Not really an excuse, but then he never had to make one.

Went with the territory.

“Traffic?” He gave a shrug and smiled, trying to use his usual charm, charisma and various forms of other bullshit, but she stood and interrupted him, leaning forward with a finger to his lips effectively silencing him.

“First. There’s not a single, solitary rat’s ass that I give if traffic made you late, which I highly doubt, since I can smell last night’s alcohol on your nasty, stale morning breath. I suspect you’re lying to me, but I’ll get back to that. Professional courtesy dictates you at least call, email or text. Carrier pigeon where available.”

Ty knew she was only just getting started.

“Second. You either want this interview or you don’t. But let me tell you what I’m not here for. I’m not here to be so enamored by all that is you, I overlook you wasting my time and disrespecting me, showing up over thirty minutes late without calling. I’m not here ready to listen to the superficial, fake crap you give all the other reporters. I want you. The real you. The aching, lonely, gaping rawness I see on stage when you perform. No more, no less. Third, and you’re going to want to pay attention to this one because it’s the most important third you’re ever going to hear, you feel me? Nod if you do.”

Ty arched his right eyebrow but didn’t say a word. He felt the prick of his temper, but let it simmer. He gave a brief, barely perceptible nod.

“That’s good, Malone. You might not be as stupid as you look with that hair. Third. Don’t think for a minute to ever lie to me again, because I will always know. Like I know you lied to me just now. Don’t wonder why. It’s magic. For all intents and purposes, think of me as a human lie detector.”

She smiled at him then. A genuine, beautiful smile. And it was then Ty knew she was never actually truly angry at him, because whatever angry was where she was concerned, he only got off with just a warning.

“Lastly, my name is Lena Roman. It might be nice to meet you, I’m not sure. You, on the other hand, are thrilled to meet me. You’re so thrilled, you’re going to tell me it is fanfreakingtastic to bask in the wonder that is me and you’re going to be sincere and you know why? No, no. Don’t answer. I’m going to tell you why. Because if you’re very nice to me and convince me you are worth more than the dirt underneath my hamster Rodney’s nutsack, I’m going to make your band the biggest group on the planet. Yes, I have a hamster named Rodney.”

As she removed her finger from his mouth, Ty clasped her hand between his and instinctively brought it to his chest.

“Hi Lena Roman. I’m Tyler Malone. It is fanfreakingtastic to meet you.”

His tone was a shade mocking.

And then, he felt it.

Something so brief and fleeting he almost missed it. Almost.

He remembered at that moment feeling like someone had punched him in the gut with a massive fist.

Like it was the first day of the rest of his life. Like nothing else before that moment had ever really mattered.

Seconds became eons as everything around them stilled and all he felt was her hand and the rapid beat of his heart.

He would have bet money she felt something too, but as their eyes met and held, someone cleared their throat.

“Would either of you like some coffee or tea?” The waitress had stood there long enough. If she didn’t get their order soon Frankie, her boss, was going to bitch.

He blinked, the spell broken.

Lena’s eyes flickered, briefly before becoming neutral as she pulled her hand away. After he quietly put his ego in check and apologized, for real that time, they finished the interview, and talked, long after it was over.

They were pretty much inseparable ever since.

To this day they never spoke about what happened.

He never lied to her again, and Lena kept her word.

When she eventually quit her job at the magazine to help manage their career, she made Retribution the best-selling band in recent history.

Perhaps their talent helped, but not the way Lena told it.

It was her way.

END OF EXCERPT

It looks like Lena knows how to manage Mr. Ty Malone in more ways than one. Thanks for visiting and sharing, Alisa! Readers, below are a list of links where you can find Give & Receive and Alisa Anderson.

Give and Receive on Amazon

Alisa’s official site

Alisa on Facebook

Alisa on Twitter It is worth visiting this just to see Alisa’s very hip handle.

During the week, I will be updating the Zombie Santa project, and next Saturday I’ll be visited by Jamie Lee Scott who will introduce us to her mystery Let Us Prey.