Tuesday 21 April 2015

FLASH FICTION: RWW Pink, Sweet Kisses

 

Welcome to the Romance Writer's Weekly Blog Hop.
 I hope you've come from Veronica Forand's blog at  http://veronicaforand.com/ If not, stop by and pay her a visit. She's an awesome author who spins a great yarn. 

Today's blog idea comes from the lovely and talented Fiona Riplee at http://fionariplee.com/blog 
 

What is the topic you ask?  Why mini flash fiction of course. The challenge is to use 10 words or less to describe a kiss. Include the words pink & sweet.


I'm taking a weird tack on this one ...

Attempt One: 
Dressed  in pink my granddaughter gave me the sweetest kiss.
Attempt Two:
His hot, wet, sizzling lips pressed against my pink ones. (Crap, missed sweet.)
Attempt Three: 
Chris lowered his head and devoured her sweet pink lips.
Attempt Four:
Sultry, steamy, hot, wet, deep, flushed, aroused -- wait where was I going with this?

Now, head on over and visit J.J. Devine http://definingjjdevine.weebly.com/ramblings-of-a-writer
Be sure to follow the hop all the way around, you might just discover yourself a new favorite writer.
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Hugs and kisses
Katie


Wednesday 8 April 2015

Bed Of Roses: Gemma Brocato



★★ BLOG TOUR ★★


Synopsis:
Bed of Roses
Book #4 - The Five Senses Series

This close to Valentine’s Day Malin Eckert’s flower shop is entering their busiest season. As if the added work isn’t enough, her father’s drinking has spiraled out of control and Mal discovers she’s been named guardian of a fifteen-year-old sibling she never knew about. To make matters worse, Mal’s crushing on a customer, a serial dater who drops by the shop with alarming regularity to send flowers to other women.

Gunnar Sims never had the best luck with women, a fact that doesn’t stop his growing attraction to his florist. His new business is losing money and he should be concentrating on that, but instead finds Mal an enticing distraction.

In spite of her best intentions to keep Gunnar firmly in the friend zone, Mal finds herself falling for the classically handsome gym owner. As her affection for Gunnar and her sister, Gabriella, grows, Mal’s heart hangs in the balance when it appears both could be taken away from her.

Content Warning: Hard bodies, spoiled princesses, and a levelheaded woman who know how to smell the roses.

Excerpt

         Malin squinted her eyes at him. “I beg your pardon?”
Gunnar had seen that look on his sister’s face enough times to know he’d said the wrong thing. But the way the society bitch had treated the shopkeeper rankled him. “What the hell is her problem? Who does the old broad think she is?”
“Gunnar, Mrs. Aubrey-Smith is the customer. That means she is always right. She knows it and doesn’t hold back making sure I know, too. I’m used to her ways.” Malin crossed her arms and rested her hip against the counter.
Aubrey-Smith? He knew that name. He’d had an interest in Ashleigh, the old bat’s daughter. Until he’d learned she was engaged. Ashleigh’s promise to another man apparently wasn’t enough to keep her from flirting with every other male in sight. Thankfully, he’d dodged that bullet. He shook his head, then turned his attention back to Malin.
He liked the way Malin looked at him. Even when she was angry. Her ice blue, almond-shaped eyes, fringed with thick black eyelashes, were direct and curious, as if she’d found a new specimen of flower that required closer examination. As he stared at her, she reached up and tucked her chin-length white-blond hair behind her ear. How the hell had he not realized before how pretty she was?
Malin possessed the peaches-and-cream complexion many of his female relatives shared. Her skin was flawless except for the angry red scratch just below the apple of her cheek. He’d be willing to bet if he touched her face, he’d feel satin. He tucked his hand into his pocket, a paltry effort to curb the urge. Touching someone the way he wanted to touch her went beyond being just friends. And he’d like this woman as a friend. For now. It was entirely possible that sentiment would evolve if his body’s reaction could be trusted.
Gunnar shifted his weight onto one leg, bumping his knee against the wooden panel of the cash wrap. “Being the customer is no excuse for bad manners. And she could win a gold medal in the Bad Manners Olympics. That witch owes you an apology.”
Malin’s fast grin dazzled him. “Can I tell you something? She was on her best behavior today, but you should have kept your mouth shut. I had her eating out of my hand until you butted in.”
“I suppose if your hand was her lunch maybe. It didn’t look like it was under control to me. I was trying to help.”
“You failed miserably, buttercup. But, no harm, no foul. I got what I wanted in the end. I proposed the alternative bouquet to the bride months ago, and she loved it. But Mama vetoed it because it wasn’t her original idea.”
Buttercup? Yeah, well, two could play that game. “I thought mentioning Princess Di’s wedding shoes was a stroke of genius, Daisy Mae.”
She tipped her head back and laughed. A shot of lust speared lodged just south of his belt buckle. He shifted to ease the sudden constriction in his trousers.
“I have moments of brilliance, and the shoes were just one of them.” She fiddled with the strings of her apron, but her eyes remained on his face. “What’s up? How can I help you today?”
Damn, talk about a loaded question. For the life of him, he could only think of one way she could help him. He gave a mental groan and focused. “Um…I need a dozen roses. Do you have any in orange?” 

My Review:

I have to say that I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. And I am lucky that I was selected. I'm not going to go into plot details and ruin the story. I just want to say that Brocato has a gift for words. She paints a lovely, emotion filled picture that moved me. I felt the emotions of every character. She led me on a up and down ride. Her characters are real and vividly described. The story is realistic. Tons of romance, some heat and a touch of humor make this a lovely read. I will be reading it again.You're going to love the story of Gunnar and Mal. I know I did!

 Giveaway:

One (1) $25 gift card to the winners retailer of choice
Enter here ➜ ➜  http://bit.ly/1MzYVJS

BuyNow
Bed of Roses (Five Senses Series Book 4)


Other books in the series:

Cooking Up Love (Five Senses Series Book 1)

Hearts In Harmony (Five Senses Series Book 2)

Exposed To Passion (Five Senses Series Book 3)

A Winter Wedding (A Five Senses Short: Five Senses Series)

Meet the Author
Gemma's favorite desk accessories for many years were a circular wooden token, better known as a 'round tuit,' and a slip of paper from a fortune cookie proclaiming her a lover of words; some day she'd write a book. All it took was a transfer to the United Kingdom, the lovely English springtime, and a huge dose of homesickness to write her first novel. Once it was completed and sent off with a kiss, even the rejections addressed to 'Dear Author' were gratifying.
After returning to America, she spent a number of years as a copywriter, dedicating her skills to making insurance and the agents who sell them sound sexy. Eventually, her full-time job as a writer interfered with her desire to be a writer full-time and she left the world of financial products behind to pursue a career as a romance author.
Gemma focuses mainly on contemporary romance, with an occasional detour into science fiction romance. Her titles are available in digital and print-on-demand at all major retailers.
 SocialLinks
http://eepurl.com/54Kqj
http://www.gemmabrocato.com
http://www.amazon.com/Gemma-Brocato/e/B00FMWHELE

Hugs
Katie