Thursday, February 12, 2015

Let's welcome today's special Valentine's author guest Melinda Dozier



Valentine Treats All Month at Book Fun Friday
Today we have Melinda Dozier 



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.




Today's Feature:
Time Out, Valentine





Book Blurb:

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.



Book Excerpt:

(choose one):
Excerpt #1 - 541 words
Grant glared across the room at the pretty dark-blonde he’d been trying to ignore for the past months. Now he had to be paired with her? He did not like this idea one bit, and being smartass Lexi’s partner was the worst idea. He surveyed his friend and boss, Jeremy, who tried unsuccessfully to hold in a smile.

“Grant? Grant is my partner? He’s barely said five words to me since he started.” Lexi slammed her iPad on the conference table.

Grant wiggled in his seat, placing his glasses back on the tip of his nose. “Only because you won’t let me get a word in edgewise.” He stared at the others who snickered around them.

Jeremy held his palm out to stop Lexi from speaking. “Lexi, there’s a good reason we paired particular couples. I don’t want to go into it right now, especially with the entire staff in the room.”

“So this wasn’t random? Is this your idea of a joke? Two people who don’t get along—”

“Who says we don’t get along?” A knot formed in Grant’s throat.

“I do. You’ve been aloof and rude since you started here.”

Grant had about all he could take. He stood, raking his hand in his hair. “Listen, Alexia…”

“It’s Lexi.” She huffed, reclining in her seat, crossing her arms over her chest. The chest that she liked to show off with her low tops. The ones he caught himself staring at too often.

He smirked, looking past those infuriating and invigorating breasts to her face. “Lexi. I’m sure we can work around whatever problem it is you have with me, but let’s take this in private.” He walked to her and held out his hand. “Shall we?”

It took five seconds before she reacted. Ignoring his hand, she stood, scurried past Grant with a shove at his shoulder and darted out of the room. Grant didn’t know how to react. What the hell was wrong with this woman? He’d have to show her they could work together on this project—if anything to prove he was a decent guy.

He’d been ignoring Lexi purposefully, ever since he started at Time Out. Her witty humor knocked him senseless, not to mention that firm ass in those tight jeans she always wore. He couldn’t afford to be distracted, and that was the whole reason why he moved back to Portland in the first place—to get away from distractions.

Besides, he owed it to his college friend, Jeremy, who trusted him and gave him this job when he really needed it. Returning here was a huge step. Getting this job as Networking Director was another. If Jeremy wanted them to participate in this assignment, then they would. He and Alexia—or Lexi—would make this work.

He ran his hands through his hair, looking around the room as other pairs connected and planned their duty. Why did Lexi have such a visceral reaction? That really bothered him. He’d done his best to ignore her, and she apparently hated him for it.

They didn’t even know each other. Grant had to get to that fiery woman so they could win this challenge. Turning on his foot and heading to the door, he smiled. A challenge it was.

Excerpt #2 - 324 words
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 Links and Buy Links:
The Wild Rose Press: http://goo.gl/F3IG1W

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