Title: Guy, Last Man Standing Series
Author: Judy Kentrus
Genre: Contemporary Sweet Romance
Book Blurb:
Guy Addison, a confirmed bachelor, believes in the old adage, “why buy a cow when you can get the milk for free.” Badly singed twice by cupid’s arrow, he’s learned his lesson. A well-respected college professor who teaches Marine Biology, he works hard on save-the-ocean projects. He just purchased his first home in Naples, Florida, an older house, that faces the blue-green waters of the Gulf. He plans to make major structural changes and decides to hire an interior designer to bring his vision to life.
Heather Llewelyn is a successful interior designer in Naples, Florida. Having been badly “taken” by a former business partner, she’s stayed cleared of relationships. Her motto is: “Why buy a bull when you can enjoy a variety of beefcake.”
When she overhears her friend’s brother’s sexist declaration, “why buy a cow when you can get the milk for free,” she’s decides Professor Addison needs to be taught a lesson.
Little do these two strong-minded individuals realize they’re very much alike.
A sweet contemporary romance.
Excerpt:
Guy remembered Heather from Eudora and Peter’s wedding. She’d been dressed in a deep-choral bridesmaid’s gown. The red hair and bright smile hadn’t changed. She’d made a memorable impression. Her dance partners had been never ending, so he hadn’t pursued socializing with her. She was quite beautiful.
Her linen blazer and tailored slacks gave her a professional look. If they were going to work together, he needed to set some ground rules.
“Heather, nice to see you again. Peter has been singing your praises.”
“My brother would be singing,” she kidded. “How can I help you?”
“Heather, have a seat,” Eudora said, “and I’ll have Brynna bring in refreshments.”
“I just closed on a home, but I want to make extensive structural changes. The house was built in the sixties and overlooks the gulf.” He called up the photos he’d taken and went to pass his phone to Heather.
“Can you email them to me so I can open them on my tablet? The larger pictures will give me a better perspective. My email address is on my card.”
Brynna walked in, carrying a tray with glasses of iced tea and bottles of water. She’d included a plate of chocolate chip cookies. Guy helped himself to a bottle of water.
Nervous, he anticipated a you’ve-got-to-be-kidding scowl at the older home. Surprisingly, Heather didn’t flip through the photos quickly, but took her time. The longer she took, the more his anxiety increased.
“For a home built sixty years ago, she appears to have good bones. She’d need them to withstand the force of hurricane winds. I’ll know more once I see it in person.”
She said my house has good bones. Guy was impressed. “I like the sound of that. Of course, I’ll be staying there while you make the renovations.”
Heather shook her head and closed the program on her tablet. “No, that won’t be possible. All utilities will be turned off, and there are liability issues, especially with structural changes.”
This wasn’t what he wanted to hear. “Where do you expect me to live? How long will these renovations take?”
She offered a tolerant smile. “I won’t know until I do a serious walk-through of the house.”
Guy ran his fingers through his hair. “I’ve already checked out of the Vanderbilt. Maybe I can get my room back.”
“Guy, depending on the kind of structural changes you want made on the house, it could take a few months,” Eudora said.
“Months? Staying in a hotel will cost a small fortune, especially as this is prime tourist season. I should pitch a tent on the beach.”
“Your sister has extra bedrooms,” Eudora reminded him.
“No. She let me know they’re having company for the next month.”
“I’ve a suggestion,” Heather said. “I have three bedrooms in the house I’m leasing, and I’m only using one. I don’t spend much time at home, so you’re welcome to hang your hat for as long as you want.”
He was further impressed by her kindness. “Stay with you?”
“It’s not as if we’re total strangers,” she said with a short laugh. “I don’t have a curfew, and you don’t have to give me a schedule of your comings and goings. If you plan to not come home some night, you know, spend the night with your girlfriend, that’s your business. All I ask is if you come home late, be quiet. I’ll extend the same courtesy to you.”
Maybe it wasn’t a bad idea, and it wouldn’t cost him any money. He’d cook his own meals and come and go as he pleased. “I’ve declared a moratorium on my little black book, so I’ll be home every night.” Why am I explaining myself to her?
“The other plus is when I design the interior of a house, I like to get to know the owner’s likes and dislikes, right down to their favorite colors. After all, this will be your home.”
“I’ll take you up on your offer, but I’ll have to move in today.”
“Not a problem.” She picked up a pen from Eudora’s desk. “Give me your cell number, and I’ll text you the address. The house is alarmed, so I’ll include the security code. Help yourself to either of the two bedrooms. You’ll be able to tell which one is mine. It has a lived-in look.”
He wrote down his cell phone number on a sticky note and handed it to her. “Thanks again for the offer to stay with you. Can we go to my house tomorrow?”
“Absolutely. The sooner I have a look around, the sooner we can start putting together your dream house.”
“Sounds good. Will I see you later?”
“Afraid not. I’ve a very active social life if you know what I mean.” She stood and winked. “Why buy a bull when you can enjoy a variety of beefcake?”
Buy Links
Book will be available on KU also
What makes your featured book a must-read?
Who doesn’t enjoy a story about a bachelor who swears he’ll never get married. You’ll be laughing, crying, as well as cheering on a couple who were unprepared for a much deserved happily-ever-after.
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Author Biography:
Judy Kentrus, Contemporary Romance, Romantic Suspense, Later in Life Romance, Historical Romance
I’ve always been a romantic at heart and I married my high school sweetheart. I make my home in the Poconos of Pennsylvania. Before I let the dog out, I make sure there aren’t any bears around. I’m a mom with two grown children who have given me six grandchildren.
We love to travel. Many of the places we’ve visited have inspired me to use as a storyline. I loved my land/sea tour of Alaska so much, I wrote Frozen Hearts, a romantic suspense that re-creates the entire trip. I live fifteen minutes from the Delaware Water Gap. A Timeless Kiss, the third book in my US Park Ranger series, is based on the troubled history of the national recreation area. I never know what will give me an inspiration, but my mind is always working.
I can hear you asking the question, does she ever stop writing? That’s a Yes! When I’m not giving couples their happily-ever-after, you can find me in the kitchen, baking, especially cookies. I’ve been dubbed the cookie queen by my family and friends. You’ll find a new recipe every month on my website.
Be sure to sign up for my newsletter, via my website. My stories are fun, sexy, romances that will make you laugh, cry, and fall in love.
Social Media Links:
Website: http://www.judykentrus.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JudyKentrus
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/judykentrus/?hl=en
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