Title Beverly Hills King
Author Claire Marti
Genre Contemporary Romance
Book Blurb
A shy CPA. A sophisticated Parisian. They say opposites attract…
Accountant Lucas Sutton is comfortable taking charge, as long as he’s behind a computer screen. So opening the final luxury hotel for the Hotel Kings on time, and on budget, is way out of his comfort zone. He can’t afford a single distraction. A distraction like his intriguing, beautiful concierge.
Brigitte Thibault flits around the globe, never finding a place to call home, until Beverly Hills starts to feel like something more. An innocent kiss with her strait-laced boss flames into white hot desire. Suddenly, they can’t stop thinking about each other. They’ve got nothing in common, except a tiny stubborn streak and a whole lot of chemistry.
The other Hotel Kings all found love on the job and they’re betting Lucas and Brigitte will, too. Can this pair prove that opposites really do attract, or will they let their differences divide them after all?
***Beverly Hills King is the sixth book in award-winning and USA Today bestselling author Claire Marti's spin off contemporary romance series, California Suits. The series follows the adventures of five best friends who are opening a string of luxury boutique hotels from La Jolla to Monterey to Beverly Hills as each one finds true love…usually where he least expects it. Each book is a standalone.
Excerpt
The lobby hummed with activity, animated conversations, and background music.
From prior experience, he knew this was one of those restaurants where people went to be seen. And from what he’d learned from researching Filipovich, that’s exactly what the guy wanted. Especially because the Penthouse had a louder, more social vibe than the classic steakhouse downstairs he frequented for business dinners. He dreaded the hectic scene, but he needed this guy’s help.
When he glanced at the entrance, his breath lodged in his throat. A brunette goddess sauntered in through the glass doors. Every person in the place turned and stared––her presence was that captivating––even in the celebrity filled town.
And had all the noise dissipated? He blinked twice and focused in on Brigitte. She’d looked beautiful today in her professional clothes but tonight? Damn.
Sky-high sandals emphasized her long, shapely legs and the red wrap dress matched her lips perfectly. She looked elegant, yet incredibly sexy and she exuded confidence as she crossed the lobby to join him. He ground his molars together to ensure his jaw didn’t drop to the floor. The woman embodied every fantasy wrapped up into one striking package.
She joined him, a smile lighting up her oval face. “You weren’t joking when you said this place is quite the scene.”
Her exotic scent enveloped him, and he managed to answer with what he hoped was his normal voice. “I was not. And apparently the Penthouse has even more of a party vibe. We’ll see.”
She surveyed the space, her eyes speculative. “Everyone here looks air brushed. Not sure how you Americans maintain the flawlessness.”
As if she wasn’t the most flawless one. “Well, Beverly Hills is the plastic surgery capital and celebrities have to keep up.”
She winked. “Well, then I’m glad we aren’t celebrities.”
He shuddered. “Yeah, living in the spotlight isn’t for me. But it’s entertaining to observe, and we’ll see a lot of it here. You okay with that?”
“Of course.” She shrugged. “It’s all part of the luxury hotel world but it’s a little extra here.”
Lucas’s phone buzzed and he glanced down. “Excuse me, it’s Filipovich, and he’s canceling last minute.” What a douche.
“Seriously? This late?” She wrinkled her small, straight nose.
He gave a curt nod. “Seriously.”
The hostess approached, “Sutton, party of three for The Penthouse. Are you all here?”
“No, now we’re just two.” He turned to Brigitte. “Is that okay with you?” Which meant they were practically on a date together. Sweat prickled between his shoulder blades––it was one thing hiding his crush at work, but at a table for two?
She shrugged a shoulder. “We’re here. Of course.”
They followed the hostess past the shaker stone columns, floor-to-ceiling wine cabinets, and terracotta colored ceilings to the staircase. Glittering modern chandeliers and tan marble-looking walls gave the restaurant a warm, welcoming feel.
Once they were seated, Brigitte perused the wine menu and he studied his menu, working to play it cool. This was a work dinner, not a romantic date, despite the white-tableclothed table.
“I hope you’ll allow me to order the wine––it’s one of my passions. But shall we start with whiskey? I’m assuming we’re having steak?”
It would take a barrel of whiskey to quiet his racing pulse every time he was near her. “Absolutely on the whiskey and the wine. And yes on the steak––it’s what they’re known for, but the seafood is excellent, too.”
When the waitress returned, Lucas ordered them two glasses of Midelton Very Rare, neat. He remembered Brigitte’s moan of pleasure when she’d sampled a fine Irish whiskey at Ryan and Charlie’s recent wedding in Monterey. And he remembered how she’d felt in his arms when they’d danced. How he’d almost kissed her. How he’d felt like he’d been struck by lightning, but she’d flitted away, as if he’d been the only one impacted.
Buy Links (including Goodreads and BookBub)
Universal: https://books2read.com/beverlyhillsking
Author Biography
Claire Marti is an award winning and USA Today Bestselling author of swoonworthy Contemporary Romance novels set in Southern California, including the Pacific Vista Ranch series and the California Suits series. She lives in San Diego with her husband, silly dog, and three clever cats. Claire started writing stories as soon as she was old enough to pick up pencil and paper. After graduating from the University of Virginia with a BA in English Literature and French, Claire was sidetracked by other careers, including practicing law, selling software for legal publishers, and managing a non-profit animal rescue for a Hollywood actress.
Finally, Claire followed her heart and now focuses on two of her true passions: writing romance and teaching yoga.
Social Media Links
Website: www.clairemarti.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/clairemartiwrites