Title: Open In Private
Author: Samantha Gentry
Genre: Sensual (light erotic) Contemporary Romance
Book Blurb:
As a personal shopper, Charlene Vance values her professional association with long time client Parker Simmons. But at the meeting to discuss the list for this year's Christmas purchases, she learns that Parker is now divorced and the ex-wife is off his list. When lunch leads to dessert between the sheets, Charlene is eager to move their relationship beyond good business and incredible sex.
Parker Simmons doesn't want anything more permanent than what's on the menu for today. But Charlene's enthusiasm to experiment in bed satisfies his darker appetites and suddenly he's craving more. Parker might need her help with holiday gift ideas but he's got his own shopping agenda. On his list? Gifts only for Charlene—to open in private.
Excerpt:
The doorbell stopped her half way across the room. A wave of irritation rippled through her in response to the unwanted interruption. She was in no mood for company, especially her neighbor two doors down the street who seemed to always be out of something and needed to borrow from her just until she could get to the store. There had been so many times Carli wanted to suggest that she go to the store now. Or better yet, tell her next time to make sure she had all the ingredients before she started cooking something. And today was definitely one of those times.
She took a calming breath to settle her annoyance, then opened the door.
Shock…elation…anger. She stared in stunned silence when her gaze landed on Parker. Frozen to the spot, unable to move, incapable of doing anything other than continuing to stare. Confusion ran rampant. Her heartbeat jumped into high gear. She experienced a shortness of breath. Was it possible for him to be even more desirable than when she last saw him a week ago?
"May I come in?" He flashed a sexy smile even though his eyes held a degree of uncertainty, something akin to hesitation. In spite of that, the sound of his smooth voice lulled her into a state of compliance. She stepped aside and motioned him in.
Parker closed the door behind him. He immediately noticed her nervousness, a condition matching his own anxiety. So many times during the last week, he had started toward her house, then changed his mind. He wanted the feel of her body next to his, to have her folded in his embrace, to taste her lips. But instead, he had settled for phoning her twice and not saying anything relevant. And now, he fought his urge to pull her into his arms and claim her mouth as his with an all-consuming kiss.
"I'm, uh, surprised to see you. Why are you here?" Her voice carried a full measure of apprehension.
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Share a holiday family tradition:
Our family tradition (once my younger brother was beyond the believing in Santa age) was to open our presents on Christmas Eve. It was a time of just immediate family closeness, saving the larger friends and family celebration for Christmas day. On Christmas Eve, we’d share memories of previous family Christmas times.
Why is your featured book perfect to get readers in the holiday mood?
Business associates to friends to lovers and finally to lifetime commitment. Not an uncommon progression for a romance. But when you wrap it around the warmth of the Christmas season, it creates a special atmosphere. Parker is Charlene's best client. She's been doing both his corporate and personal shopping for several years. Their comfortable and efficient working relationship gradually expands to include being good friends. Then that fateful day when they're going over his corporate shopping list for Christmas and he tells her he divorced several months earlier. And they succumb to the desire each has silently been fighting. This looks to be the best Christmas each has celebrated in years, enhanced by the love and caring of the Christmas season. But not without a few bumps in the road along the way.
Giveaway –
One lucky reader will win a $100 Amazon gift card.
Open internationally.
Runs December 1 – 31, 2024
Drawing will be held on January 2, 2025.
Author Biography:
As soon as I wake up, Harrison (my houseboy) draws my scented bath. By the time I've finished bathing and am dressed he has prepared a champagne brunch which he serves on the terrace next to the swimming pool. I spend the next two hours reading the morning newspaper and working on my tan.
Promptly at the stroke of noon I adjourn to my home office and begin writing. I spend a grueling four hours slaving away over my computer keyboard creating brilliant prose filled with exciting characters, entertaining plots and highly sensual encounters. I emerge from seclusion at four o'clock having written the next chapter of my current work-in-progress.
Harrison's talented touch soothes my tight shoulder muscles with an expert massage. He pours me a glass of wine before going to prepare a gourmet dinner. And the rest of the evening is better left to your imagination.
Oops…I just lost my hold on reality for a moment. Sorry.
I'm a morning person and am usually at my computer by six o'clock with a cup of hot coffee which I keep at a safe distance from my keyboard (been through the spilled coffee on the keyboard before, don't need to do it again). The first thing I do is go through my email. Then I get to work—either writing or revising on my current work in progress, or doing the edits on my next release. I usually run errands in the early afternoon.
Hmm…I think I like the first version of what my typical day consists of better than the reality. 😊
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