US snowboarder and notorious prankster, Ty (Trouble) Madsen is only getting a taste of his own medicine when his Olympic teammates shackle him to a fence wearing nothing but his boxers. Reception and protocol volunteer, Nadia Hoffman, gets up close and personal with the sexy snowboarder to rescue him, but she's not the kind of girl who lets her hormones get in her way. A professional performance could help her land her dream job at Olympics Committee Headquarters, but her new assignment supervising the rambunctious US Snowboarding Team is making that difficult. Can she see behind the snowman in the community center bathroom and into the warm heart of the man everyone calls Trouble?
“Thank God you’re here,” a male’s voice groaned, in English.
Nadia looked across the path toward the stairs ahead of her and saw a very well built, tall man, light brown hair curled around his beanie, with a chiseled chest and tight thighs. Wait a minute. Why could she see his chest and thighs? It was zero degrees Celsius. Why would a man be standing in nothing but his underwear? Her mother always warned her about sickos.
She dug into her purse, searching for her mace – something she carried since her internship in New York last summer. It settled somewhere at the bottom. Great. When she finally needed it, she couldn’t find it.
“Do you mind?” He said, a little louder. “I could use some help.”
“I have mace.” She answered, still searching. “Stay where you are.”
“Not a problem.” He laughed, a deep laugh that sent tingly sensations from head to toe. God, sleep deprivation must be worse than she thought if she had these thoughts about a sicko.
She shook her head and finally held the mace up. The man remained in the same spot. He had a fabulous smile and a few wrinkles at the side of his eyes, from smiling or being out in the sun. He must be an athlete with that tight physique. “Who are you and what are you doing?”
Instead of answering, he let out a laugh all while his teeth chattered. An ache sat in her throat. Poor guy. If his blue lips and frosted hair was any indication, he was beyond cold.
“Are you okay?” She slowly approached the stairs, not sure what the handsome man would do. But, he looked like he was in trouble.
His eyes perused her from top to bottom and then he looked back into her face. “Better now.” He smirked.
Reading romance has always been at the top of Melinda's favorite past times. You can always find a book in her hands no matter where she is. Melinda is Louisiana born, New Mexico raised, Guatemala adopted, and recently a newcomer to Houston, Texas. So, it's only natural that her stories take place all across the world. Melinda loves reading, reality TV, traveling, blogging, and playing Words with Friends. Learn more about her at http://booksbymelindadozier.com.
Amanda
Larson is dedicated to her job and doesn't want to make time for anything else.
Until she runs into Jake Edwards. He used to be the cute boy next door; now
he's a sexy, big shot lawyer.
Jake
Edwards isn't interested in commitment. He's successful, sexy, and single--and
that's how he likes it. When he reconnects with Amanda, Jake realizes he might
have to rethink his philosophy on the carefree, bachelor lifestyle.
But,
is it too late for them? Or can he convince her that he's ready to give her his
heart?
SNIPPET:
Jake
leaned in closer, running his hand down her arm. “Know what I’m thinking?”
Amanda
fiddled with her coaster and smiled at him. “I’m not sure I want to know.”
“I’m
thinking we should spend a lot more time together.” He reached over and held
her chin. “It’s been way too long.”
Amanda
licked her lips, and damn it, it actually turned him on. Sweet little Mandy
Larson wasn’t so sweet anymore. She was driving him crazy.
She
moved closer bridging distance. “Why wait? There’s no time like the present.”
“Exactly.”
He drank the last of his beer as the waiter returned with her martini sans
olive.
Jake
leaned on the table with his elbows, folded his hands together and studied her.
“Look
at you, drinking a martini, living the life in New York City.” He examined her
from head to toe. “A sexy skirt. Tall boots.” He ran a finger down her cheek.
“A beautiful face.”
Amanda
hiccupped and put down her glass. “Now, wait a minute. I know it’s been a
while, but some things never change, including you.” She wagged her finger at
him. “No smooth talking with me. Don’t forget I used to know you better than
anybody.”
Because
his fingers actually ached with the need to touch her again, he reached over
and held her hand. “Yeah, but things have changed, Mandy. We’re two different
people now, and I can’t wait to get to know who you are now.”
Reviews:
“Melinda
Dozier did a fabulous job with this story. It was incredibly well written, and
even though it was a quick read, it still had a lot of emotional depth.” -
Harlequin Junkie, 4-1/2stars
“I
love books like this. Short, sweet, and
just what every romantic wishes for.” - Waves of Fiction, 5 stars
“I
loved this story and can't wait to read more from this great author.” - Romance
BookWorm, 5 stars
Reading romance has always been at the top of Melinda's favorite past times. You can always find a book in her hands no matter where she is. Melinda is Louisiana born, New Mexico raised, Guatemala adopted, and recently a newcomer to Houston, Texas. So, it's only natural that her stories take place all across the world. Melinda loves reading, reality TV (obsessively so), traveling, blogging, and playing Farmville.
Amanda Larson is dedicated to her job and doesn't want to make time for anything else. Until she runs into Jake Edwards. He used to be the cute boy next door; now he's a sexy, big shot lawyer.
Jake Edwards isn't interested in commitment. He's successful, sexy, and single--and that's how he likes it. When he reconnects with Amanda, Jake realizes he might have to rethink his philosophy on the carefree, bachelor lifestyle.
But, is it too late for them? Or can he convince her that he's ready to give her his heart?
Excerpt:
Jake sighed. “I’ll get your door.” He got out and ran to her side of the car. As he opened the door for her, he held out his hand.
Amanda ignored him as she got out. I can’t look at him. If I look at him, I’ll melt into his stare. Get out, say goodnight and go home. As the car door closed, she turned and he leaned against the shiny, black fender with his hands in his pockets.
Jake lowered his gaze in confusion. “I hope you had a good time tonight, even though you’re acting like you didn’t.”
Amanda crossed her arms in front of her chest and sighed.
He took a step closer and shook his head, looking hotter than she’d ever seen him. His hands still rested in his pockets and his serious deep-blue eyes stared at her. “You don’t have to be scared of me.”
“I actually don’t trust myself, Jake.” She switched her weight to her other leg and rolled her eyes.
“Why? You think you’re going to jump me?” He chuckled as he took his last step to her. “I wouldn’t mind.” His gaze traveled over her face, as if he were memorizing every freckle.
He wanted more. Hell, she did too. But then what?
“So, you think that after I jump you, all this will go away?” She pointed back and forth.
“That this attraction will be out of our system and we can continue to be friends? Is that how it works for you?”
He clasped her body tightly to his, his hands wrapped around the sides of her waist, his breath on her face. “What I know is we’ve passed the line of friendship already, so we should just stop holding back.”
Then he kissed her. Completely. Thoroughly. Long and slow and deep. His lips were perfect and she found herself moving to get a closer touch – if that was possible. His hands roamed her back and warmth shot up her neck and back down to her toes. The man knew what he was doing. Either he was a pure player or his desire ranked up there with her own.
Since her knees wobbled, she balanced her hands on his chest, and before she was ready for it to end, he stepped back and smiled, “See what I mean?”
Reviews:
“Melinda Dozier did a fabulous job with this story. It was incredibly well written, and even though it was a quick read, it still had a lot of emotional depth.” - Harlequin Junkie, 4-1/2stars
“I love books like this. Short, sweet, and just what every romantic wishes for.” - Waves of Fiction, 5 stars
“I loved this story and can't wait to read more from this great author.” - Romance BookWorm, 5 stars
Author Bio:
Reading romance has always been at the top of Melinda's favorite past times. You can always find a book in her hands no matter where she is.
Melinda is Louisiana born, New Mexico raised, Guatemala adopted, and recently a newcomer to Houston, Texas. So, it's only natural that her stories take place all across the world.
Melinda loves reading, reality TV, traveling, blogging, and playing Words with Friends.
Shy accountant Veronica Bass is determined to live it up a little before settling down with a perfectly respectable man to live a perfectly respectable life, just the way her mother wants.
So when rock star Diego Diaz flashes his bedroom eyes at her during a wedding reception, Veronica swallows her shyness and leads him to the nearest hotel room. Now this total sex god keeps popping up in her life, and she finds herself telling some not-so-little white lies to keep him interested.
Diego's world evolves around music, women throwing themselves at him, and having fun. His lifestyle hasn't allowed him to find the right girl to settle down with until now, but his own secret stands in the way of forming a lasting relationship with Veronica.
Is their love destined to last for only a New York minute?
"The story between Diego and Veronica was heartwarming and brought to light that you should always be yourself instead of trying to impress someone with a fake you." - Cocktails and Books Blog "They have the connection, physical and emotion … However, they left out some things from each other and that's the real dilemma here. It's all good because it ends nicely!" — Bookaholic Fairies
“Every time I was away from this book, I couldn't wait to get back to it. This is an amazing read...” Reader
“Melinda has done it again!!! I absolutely love the way that she makes us all swoon for her characters in her stories and not be able to put it down until we are done.” Reader
Excerpt:
Time to focus on the Cosmo article she read two days before about flirting. She sipped her citrus martini, and as she brought the glass down, she licked her lips and glanced at her target. He actually flinched, the hunger in his eyes darkening. Barely enough for anyone to notice, but she did. She ran her hand up and down her neck, closing her eyes for a minute. When she opened them to look his way again, he had already started to walk in her direction. No, he didn’t walk; he actually strutted like a man on a mission.
She was his mission. Shit. Shit. Shit. Play it cool, Veronica. You’re a strong, sensual woman. You can do this.
She sipped her yellow drink again to calm herself, and if she was lucky, he wouldn’t notice her shaking. Calm. Sensual. Like a boss.
He positioned himself in front of her, one hand in his pocket and the other holding a tumbler of brown liquid, and rocked on the heels of his dark Dolce & Gabbana brogues.
“Hello.” His voice reverberated down to her core.
She gulped her martini to gain more liquid courage, but rather than bravery, the unthinkable happened. She swallowed the cherry that swam in her drink and the tickle in her throat drove her into a coughing frenzy.
She tried to smile through it, to let him know all was fine and she could still be the sexy seductress. As his large, firm hand patted her back, she fanned the air and grabbed his tumbler, downing the thick liquid.
After a last cough, she cleared her throat one more time. “Whoa. What was that?”
“Whiskey. Neat.” He grinned, his gorgeous caramel eyes lit with an inner glow. “You okay?”
A warmth spread over her cheeks. Holy freaking embarrassment. “It was strong.”
“I could’ve warned you, I guess, but you were busy.” He grinned and squeezed her shoulder with his large hand.
Was that an accent? Damn, could he be more perfect? Immediately, she glanced at his hand that revealed several tattoos peeking out of his jacket hem, from his wrist all the way down to his fingers. No ring. Thank God.
“Can we forget that happened? I’m not usually like that.” She waved her hand in the air and winced inwardly.
God, she wanted to erase that doomed first impression. She was confident, dammit. She didn’t want this dreamy man to know she could be less than sophisticated. Her act was more difficult than she imagined.
“It’s a shame. I kind of liked the unusual first encounter. Not that I want you to choke, but I was ready to save you.” He braced his tattooed hand against the wall behind her, moving closer. His manly smell was soapy, with a hint of wood.
Save her he might. “Who are you?”
He squinted his glowing eyes and turned his head to the side. He didn’t say anything for a long time, just studied her and then rolled on the heels of his feet. “Who are you?”
His “r” rolled off his tongue with a Spanish accent of some kind.
“When someone answers a question with a question, it’s one of two things. Either the person doesn’t have anything interesting to say or he’s hiding something. Are you hiding something?”
He lowered his voice and ran a hand up her arm. “I think we all do. Why are you hiding in the corner?”
Damned if the man’s touch sent shivers all the way to her toes. “So someone like you would find me.”
“Like me? How am I?”
“A man with questions … and a devious grin.”
As suspected, his smile grew and his gaze sought hers. “Well, I came over to tell you how stunning you look, but being a woman of such deep insight, you might take that the wrong way, no?”
“I’ll take it any way you want.” Yep. The alcohol had definitely gotten to her.
Trailer:
Author Bio:
Melinda is a multi-published contemporary romance author with books from Crimson Romance, Swoon Romance and The Wild Rose Press represented by Dawn Dowdle of Blue Ridge Literary Agency. She lives in Guatemala, Central America with her husband/college sweetheart who brings "mucho amor" to her life. Melinda enjoys being the queen of her household and dreams of being pampered fully by her three boys once they are grown. Melinda's guilty pleasures include reality t.v., traveling, blogging and playing Farmville.
Lexi’s life is one big
dump. Or so she thinks. To keep her mind off her latest breakup, she stays busy
with work. It’s no big deal, since writing for Time Out Portland Magazine is a
blast…except for the one small snag – Grant Reeds. Grant, a shy but sexy computer
geek, is new to Time Out, working as the Networking Director for the online
magazine. Even though Lexi thinks he doesn’t notice her, he sure as hell does.
The owners have a plan for their upcoming Valentine’s Special, pairing up the
two to explore romantic date ideas around the city. Soon, Lexi and Grant learn
that the old adage, “Opposites Attract,” can ring true.
Grant sipped his beer and surveyed the room around
them—anywhere but at the siren next to him, with her fancy drink, an umbrella
hanging off the side. Overhead lights strobed the room, gleaming in all
directions. The DJ announced a new song and a new crowd rushed to the dance
floor, leaving them more alone in the back of the room. Thank God.
It was stifling hot. He tugged his collar from his neck and
rolled the sleeves of his white button-up. His glasses slid down his nose,
forcing him to take them off and put them in his shirt pocket.
Luckily in that part of the room, the music wasn’t so loud
that they had to scream to converse. He only raised his voice a fraction to ask
her the question he’d been wondering since they set foot in the place. “So, you
think this is romantic enough for a Valentine's date?"
She batted her long lashes in his direction and smirked.
“There’s low lights.”
“Yeah and loud music, people all around.” To help prove his
point, someone bumped him in the back, pushing him closer to Lexi. His hand
circled her waist and rested on her hip.
She sipped the drink, moving the umbrella with her other
hand, then licked her lips. “It’sthe place to be. All trendy couples find their
way here.” She cocked her head. “What would make it more romantic? Kissing?”
A slow smile formed and he faced her. Not a bad idea.
“Actually, yeah.” He placed his bottle on the table behind them, cracked his
knuckles and stretched his neck.
She laughed nervously, putting her weight on another sexy as
hell foot. “What? You’re gonna kiss me? For real?”
“We need romance.” He grabbed her cup and put it next to his
bottle. His gaze dropped to her mouth.
“You kissing me won’t—”
He placed his thumb on her lips. “Shhh. Stop talking so we
can be romantic.”
AUTHOR BIO:
Melinda is
a multi-published contemporary romance author with books from Crimson Romance,
Swoon Romance and The Wild Rose Press represented by Dawn Dowdle of Blue Ridge Literary Agency. She lives in Guatemala, Central America
with her husband/college sweetheart who brings "mucho amor" to her
life. Melinda enjoys being the queen of her household and dreams of being
pampered fully by her three boys once they are grown. Melinda's guilty
pleasures include reality t.v., traveling, blogging and playing Zynga games.
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