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Book Blurb & Info
A Lesson in Temptation
by Audra North
Adam Harkness pulled himself out of poverty to become one of the world's most respected Finance professors, but at the cost of his personal life. When a well-meaning friend gifts him with a dance course, Adam decides to attend one class out of courtesy, but no more than that. He has work to do, after all - or at least, that's what he tells himself.After being bullied in high school, Julie Stanton took refuge in her studies. But now that her hard work has paid off and Julie has found success in her job, it's time to focus on finding the same happiness in the rest of her life.
When Adam walks into the same tango class that Julie signed up for, she recognizes him immediately as the professor whom she had a crush on in college. Both Adam and Julie have proven themselves to be excellent scholars. But when the attraction between them turns into something more, will they be able to open their hearts and learn a new lesson - how to love.
Buy Links:
Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Entangled
Julie felt Adam’s breath hitch in his chest, felt something hard and insistent rise against her thigh. He turned his head to look at her, his ocean-blue eyes deepened to a rich sapphire.
Oh my God. Oh my God he’s going to kiss—
But the loud clap of hands interrupted her thought, and abruptly he let her go, then backed away blinking. Ivana’s voice grew louder as the rush of blood left Julie’s head, and her heartbeat slowly calmed.
“Lovely dancing, everyone! Come back into the circle now. I have one last thing to show you before we go.It’s time for the next step.”
Julie couldn’t help but think that truer words had never been spoken.
They watched as Ivana demonstrated a move and asked them to practice it at home just before class ended. Julie hesitated for just a second. His body had responded. Could she maybe see if she could change his mind, even a little? She hadn’t wanted something this badly for so long…
Just go for it!
“Do you want to get a drink?” She blurted the words before she could overthink it. There. Done. Extending the invitation had been almost painful, but she was not about to turn tail and run from a little discomfort. She’d been there, done that, and she was through with it.
He stared at her for a second, then said slowly, “I should really get home.”
She tried not to sigh with disappointment. “No problem. It was good to see you tonight, anyway.” She didn’t want to ask him whether he’d be here next week. More than likely, his answer wouldn’t be what she wanted to hear. She might not mind a little discomfort, but there was such a thing as being just plain stupid. But before she could tell him good-bye, Adam shrugged.
“Actually, yeah. I’d like to come with you.”
Book Excerpt
Oh my God. Oh my God he’s going to kiss—
But the loud clap of hands interrupted her thought, and abruptly he let her go, then backed away blinking. Ivana’s voice grew louder as the rush of blood left Julie’s head, and her heartbeat slowly calmed.
“Lovely dancing, everyone! Come back into the circle now. I have one last thing to show you before we go.It’s time for the next step.”
Julie couldn’t help but think that truer words had never been spoken.
They watched as Ivana demonstrated a move and asked them to practice it at home just before class ended. Julie hesitated for just a second. His body had responded. Could she maybe see if she could change his mind, even a little? She hadn’t wanted something this badly for so long…
Just go for it!
“Do you want to get a drink?” She blurted the words before she could overthink it. There. Done. Extending the invitation had been almost painful, but she was not about to turn tail and run from a little discomfort. She’d been there, done that, and she was through with it.
He stared at her for a second, then said slowly, “I should really get home.”
She tried not to sigh with disappointment. “No problem. It was good to see you tonight, anyway.” She didn’t want to ask him whether he’d be here next week. More than likely, his answer wouldn’t be what she wanted to hear. She might not mind a little discomfort, but there was such a thing as being just plain stupid. But before she could tell him good-bye, Adam shrugged.
“Actually, yeah. I’d like to come with you.”
Book Blurb & Info
One Night in Buenos Aires
by Amanda K. Byrne
As a reward for a hard-won contract, best friends Drea and Joe head to Buenos Aires for sun, wine, and the tango. But their week of relaxation is off to an ominous start when a reservation mix-up leaves them with only one option: one room…and one bed.Exhausted from travel, the two friends figure it won’t be a big deal to share a bed for one night—right up until they wake wrapped around each other and seconds away from, well, you know.
When the two decide to follow through on their impulse, they protect their friendship by agreeing that when the vacation’s over, the fling’s over. While Drea’s convinced it’s nothing more than a mutual itch, Joe discovers Drea might be everything he’s ever wanted. Now all he has to do is convince her that what happens in Buenos Aires doesn’t always have to stay in Buenos Aires.
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“There’s a show? Cool.” He studied the runway.
“Um, yeah,” she hedged.
Before she could say another word, the same small man she’d spent most of the afternoon chatting with over glasses of wine swooped in. “Baby, you came!” Two air kisses, one beside each cheek. “And this?” He stroked Joe’s arm suggestively. “You brought me this tasty piece of man meat? Yum!”
She burst out laughing at Joe’s expression. Comical horror slid into stoic as he allowed the man to fawn all over him. The fact her new friend had a face full of makeup made it even better.
Her giggles continued while Joe glared at her, mouth pinched as he fought off a smile. He leaned forward until their noses bumped. “Careful. Or you’re gonna get it.” He flicked his tongue out and swiped her chin, and she squealed.
She plucked up her napkin and wiped her chin. “How mature.” She relaxed a fraction more. Her body might be reacting in new and scary ways to his touch, but he was Joe. Still prone to moments of juvenilism. Still making her laugh.
He put his hand on her thigh, fingers playing with the hem of her dress while they skimmed the menus. Anxiety and desire took up swords in her stomach and started battling. Higher. Off. Don’t stop. Do. She placed a hand over his, curled her fingers around it, and shifted it higher, under her dress.
His long, slim fingers flexed hard on her thigh. He lowered his menu, the question clear in his eyes. It was a fine edge she was walking. One nudge and they’d tumble over into a swirling mass of lust and heat and frenetic energy. He’d promised her, though. Promised no matter what happened between them they’d hold on to their friendship. Above all, she trusted him.
So she nodded, and his hand slid up, stroking the sensitized flesh.
Audra North’s Bio: Audra North fell in love with romance at age thirteen and spent the next twenty years reading as many romance novels as she could. Even now, after having read over one thousand of them, Audra still can't resist the lure of a happily ever after, and her collection continues to grow. She lives near Boston with her husband, three young children, and a lot of books. Visit her website at audranorth.com or find her (way too frequently) on Twitter
Website: Blog: Twitter: Facebook: Goodreads: Newsletter
Amanda K. Byrne’s Bio: When she’s not plotting ways to sneak her latest shoe purchase past her partner, Amanda writes sexy, snarky romance and urban fantasy. She likes her heroines smart and unafraid to make mistakes, and her heroes strong enough to take them on.
If she’s not writing, she’s reading, drinking hot chocolate, and trying not to destroy her house with her newest DIY project. She lives in the beautiful Pacific Northwest, and no, it really doesn’t rain that much.
Website: Twitter: Facebook: Goodreads
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EntangledSelect
Twitter: @EntangledSelect Steals and Deals
Book Excerpt
“Um, yeah,” she hedged.
Before she could say another word, the same small man she’d spent most of the afternoon chatting with over glasses of wine swooped in. “Baby, you came!” Two air kisses, one beside each cheek. “And this?” He stroked Joe’s arm suggestively. “You brought me this tasty piece of man meat? Yum!”
She burst out laughing at Joe’s expression. Comical horror slid into stoic as he allowed the man to fawn all over him. The fact her new friend had a face full of makeup made it even better.
Her giggles continued while Joe glared at her, mouth pinched as he fought off a smile. He leaned forward until their noses bumped. “Careful. Or you’re gonna get it.” He flicked his tongue out and swiped her chin, and she squealed.
She plucked up her napkin and wiped her chin. “How mature.” She relaxed a fraction more. Her body might be reacting in new and scary ways to his touch, but he was Joe. Still prone to moments of juvenilism. Still making her laugh.
He put his hand on her thigh, fingers playing with the hem of her dress while they skimmed the menus. Anxiety and desire took up swords in her stomach and started battling. Higher. Off. Don’t stop. Do. She placed a hand over his, curled her fingers around it, and shifted it higher, under her dress.
His long, slim fingers flexed hard on her thigh. He lowered his menu, the question clear in his eyes. It was a fine edge she was walking. One nudge and they’d tumble over into a swirling mass of lust and heat and frenetic energy. He’d promised her, though. Promised no matter what happened between them they’d hold on to their friendship. Above all, she trusted him.
So she nodded, and his hand slid up, stroking the sensitized flesh.
Interview
Hi Audra,
Thank you so much for sitting down with Toot's for an
interview. If you don't mind, I have some questions for you about your new
book, A Lesson in Temptation, and your process for our budding authors
as well as fans.
So first off, Book Questions.......
In your own words, what is A Lesson in Temptation about?
It’s about an uptight finance professor, Adam Harkness, who
is paired with a vivacious young woman, Julie Stanton, in a tango dance class.
Sparks fly, sexy times are had, and she teaches him to unwind and enjoy life!
How did you come up with the title of the book and can you
tell us its significance?
Since Adam is a professor and he meets Julie in a dance
class, there’s a lot of teaching going on in this book. A Lesson was
perfect as part of the title. And to Adam, Julie certainly represents a
temptation, but in his case, he needs to learn to give in to temptation from
time to time, instead of denying himself any fun for the sake of his work. A
Lesson in Temptation is exactly what Adam gets in the story!
Is it a standalone book or will it be part of a series?
It’s the fourth book in the Stanton novella series from
Entangled Publishing. Julie Stanton is the baby of the family and took a little
time to come into her own, but she is all grown up and very seductive in this
book!
What genre would you say A Lesson in Temptation is
and what sets your book apart for fans of the genre?
It’s a contemporary romance. I personally like novellas
because they’re a great way to get complete, satisfying stories when you’re
busy or on the go. As a mom of three, I actually often prefer shorter books. I
think A Lesson in Temptation is one of those books that is great for
when you’re short on time and need a sexy romance fix.
What are some of the elements of the world you created?
The story takes place in Manhattan, so I didn’t use too much
artistic license in the book. I try to rely on real places—schools, landmarks,
streets—so that it feels more realistic.
If you had to pick one thing, what is your favorite thing
about the world you’ve created?
The men! I know, they aren’t things. But I am proud
of the heroes I write. They’re not jerks. They’re just guys who are a little
unsure, trying to do the right thing, like most men in the world.
What was your favorite scene to write for either your hero
or heroine in A Lesson in Temptation?
Oh, definitely the scene where Julie seduces Adam with talk
of financial models. It was super nerdy and totally up my alley.
What was the hardest scene to write?
The part where Adam acts like a jerk and ends up hurting
Julie. My editor will readily tell you that I’m terrible at writing the dark
moment in every single one of my books because I hate to see my characters get
hurt! I get asked every time in edits to make the dark moment darker.
What's your favorite line or quote from A Lesson in
Temptation?
I like this one because I think this sums up Adam’s feelings
at the start of the book: This class had been a terrible, wonderful idea.
But mostly terrible.
Writing.......
Do you recall how your interest in writing originated and
what made you decide to pursue it as a career?
I’ve always loved writing, even as a child, but it wasn’t
until I had my second baby and quit my job to stay home that I started writing
in earnest. That somehow evolved into a career!
What inspires you to put the pen to paper or fingers to the
keyboard?
Honestly, now I can’t wait for true inspiration to strike. I
have deadlines and three kids…when I have scheduled time to write, I sit down and
force myself to do it, no matter how much inspiration I am or am not feeling.
Surprisingly, it actually works better now than it did when I wrote only when I
felt like it.
What are some of the elements in/of your writing process?
Usually, I start with a premise. Maybe it comes from
something I’ve seen in the news, or a story I heard from a friend, or maybe I
just meet a person who has a great job, that would be an awesome romance hero
or heroine’s job! Then, I work out characters, conflicts, plot…the whole deal.
That all has to get approved by my editor before I start writing, so it’s good
to make sure it’s detailed and solid. Finally, I start writing. All the work
leading up to writing can take anywhere from a day to a week, depending on how
complex the story is.
Are you a Plotter or a Panster?
I am definitely a plotter, but most of the time, once I get
to the actual writing, the plot tends to change a bit, so I guess I’d say that
it’s my plots that are pantsers!
Have you released anything under a different pen name, and
if so, is there any difference between them?
No, I haven’t. I’ve got a comic book coming out later this
year, though, that will be under a different name. I just have to decide what
it is! J
What's next for you?
Oh, gosh. I feel like everything is happening this year. I
have a New Adult coming up, then another Entangled book—a Lovestruck this
timein the Autumn. I’m putting out a free Halloween read in the Autumn, too, so
keep an eye out for those!
Is there anything you’d like to add or say to your fans?
I love y’all. So much.
Personal questions......
Now I know this is like asking
you to choose between your own children, but out of all your amazing
characters, who is your favorite and why?
Are there any of your stories
or characters that hold a special place in your heart?
Definitely Bruno from One Night in Santiago. That book was actually the first romance I wrote that was accepted for
publication, so he’ll always have a special place in my heart.
If the book had to have a theme
song, what would it be?
Gotan Project’s Mi Confesión.
Sooo good!
Lastly, What 5 things do fans not know about you and 5
they don't know about the book?
About me?
Hmm, let me think…I
tend to overshare, so I’m not sure there’s anything about me that people don’t
know, ha! But I like to sew my own clothes, I collect birds’ nests and animal
bones (I know, so weird), I hate raisins, my favorite flower is the lily but I’m
allergic to it, and my usual sleep schedule is 9 p.m. to 4:30 a.m.
Five things about the book:
Adam used to be Julie’s TA in her college finance class, Julie’s best friend is
named Frannie, I wrote this book, which is the fourth in the Stanton novella series,
before I wrote the first one in the series (Falling for the CEO), my editors are
incredible people who never get enough credit but they made this book soooo
much better than how it started out, and I never had a professor as hot as
Adam. Maybe that last one is a good thing…I wouldn’t have learned anything
because I would have been too distracted!
THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU for taking time to answer
some questions. Congratulations on the new book and I can't wait for everyone
to read it!
Author Info
Website: Blog: Twitter: Facebook: Goodreads: Newsletter
If she’s not writing, she’s reading, drinking hot chocolate, and trying not to destroy her house with her newest DIY project. She lives in the beautiful Pacific Northwest, and no, it really doesn’t rain that much.
Website: Twitter: Facebook: Goodreads
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