Title: Tangled in Tinsel
Author: N. Jade Gray
Genre: Contemporary Holiday Romance Fiction
Book Blurb:
Sugar Plum fairies eat your heart out. Madison Reynolds has visions of a different kind dancing in her head. Home for the holidays in Cedar Bend, Colorado, Madison must focus on helping her bedridden pregnant sister, not fantasize about the one who got away. But how is she supposed to forget about her high school crush when she bumps into him at every turn? From the moment Ryder Sanders untangled the reindeer antlers from Madison's hair his Christmas season appeared brighter. The time spent in her company leaves him more smitten. So, why does she still treat him as if he has cooties? They're not in high school anymore. Can the two find a forever love? Or will their wishes melt away like icing on a Christmas treat?
Excerpt:
He tilted his head toward Ryder and leaned down for only her to hear, “You’re making progress. Are you here alone with Ryder?”
“Shhh.” She glanced at him to make sure he hadn’t caught his words.
Dustin bumped her shoulder. “Don’t worry. I’m not going to spill the beans.” He offered his arm. “Come on. Let me give you a tour. I’ll show you where the calculated placing of the mistletoe can be found.” He winked. “If you want to take advantage of the holiday sprig.”
Her gaze met his amused one. She linked her arm through his. “Sounds devious, but you know I would probably never have the nerve to use the opportunity wisely.”
As he patted her hand, he smiled. “I think I can help.”
Twenty minutes later, she paused in a doorway. “I’m impressed. Cedar Bend has joined this century.”
He nodded in agreement before he shifted closer and invaded her space.
“What...what are you doing?”
“Do you trust me?”
At her nod, he pointed a hand upwards. “I’m taking advantage of the mistletoe. You’d better put your heart into this. Ryder is watching.”
A giggle burst from her lips as he grazed his lips across her own and dipped her low in a tight embrace. He righted her. “Now remember where the other holiday sprigs are located and give Ryder a good old- fashioned lip lock.”
“Yes, sir.” She gave him a jaunty salute. “Thank you for the tour. I will try to take advantage of the information you have given me.”
“Did I miss the station tour?”
Her gaze met Ryder’s. A deep frown marred his brow.
Dustin took a step back. “I need to help with the meal. Maddy can show you around. I’ll catch up with you both later.”
“Are you all right?” The scowl he’d worn when he joined them hadn’t eased. “Did you have a bad conversation with the older gentleman you talked to?”
Dustin kissing Madison remained in his mind. He shook his head to try to erase the image. “Um, no. I guess you caught me deep in thought.”
“While we wait to eat, would you like for me to give you a quick tour?”
“Sure.” He followed, but his attention wasn’t on what she pointed out. He couldn’t shake the thought of the kiss he’d witnessed. Had she enjoyed the other man’s embrace? It took a moment for him to realize she stood a few steps away from him studying him. Had she asked him a question?
She quirked a brow. Yup, she’d asked him something and his mind had wandered elsewhere. “I’m sorry. What did you ask?”
Her gaze shifted away from his. “Never mind.”
Before she could turn, he caught her arm. His gaze shifted upwards to the sprig of mistletoe hanging above. Two can play this game. He eased his arms around her and draped them loosely about her waist. A slight tremble shook her body as her gaze tangled with his. Her eyes closed as he lowered his lips and brushed hers.
Behind them, a female gasped. “Oh. I’m so sorry.”
The interruption couldn’t have come at a worse time. He eased back and peered down into her eyes. He pivoted his head and glimpsed an older woman beating a hasty exit from the room.
“Why did you kiss me?” Her deep and husky voice echoed in the large room.
He pointed upward. “Opportunity knocked.”
Buy Links (including Goodreads and BookBub):
What I love most about the holiday season:
Spending time with family, friends and loved ones.
Why is your featured book a must-read to get you in the holiday mood?
Tangled has it all: Second chances, quirky family and shenanigans, and a HEA. I know this story is usually served with hot chocolate, but for Christmas in July…maybe you can chill with a margarita instead.
Giveaway –
One lucky reader will win a $75 Amazon US or Canada gift card:
Open internationally.
Runs July 1 – 31, 2023.
Drawing will be held on August 1, 2023.
Author Biography:
N. Jade Gray grew up on a farm in Oklahoma with one sister and three brothers. She began reading romance novels in high school and was hooked. In an attempt to entertain her friends, she began writing stories. The biggest hurdle she had to overcome was sharing her stories. Her former writing groups, the Wichita Area Romance Authors and Low Country Romance Writer’s, helped with her confidence and shook the needed pom poms to get her motivated for publication. She is also a former member of the Romance Writers of America. She met her husband while attending college and has two grown sons. Not really knowing what she wanted to do when she grew up, she’s held various jobs in the accounting and legal fields. She lives in Missouri with her husband, rescue cats Meera, Mango, Pancake and one spoiled dog-named Fabio. Yes, she had a hand in naming the dog.
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