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Friday, November 16, 2012

Hollywood Ever After by Sasha Summer Book Tour and Giveaway






Hollywood Ever After
by Sasha Summers

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BLURB:

She wasn’t meant for movie stars, Hollywood, or happy endings. And then she met him.

Happy Endings are for fairy tales. Or the movies. Not for real life. At least, not Claire’s life. Even though she’s starting over, she knows better than to want too much this time. But when she falls, literally, into the strong arms of Hollywood’s ‘it’ boy Josh Wiley, Claire’s in for some surprises. Her plans for rest and relaxation are forgotten as one incredible night with Josh becomes two… And her heart begins to want him as much as her body. Will two kids, one bastard ex-husband, and Josh’s juggernaut career mean the end of their affair? Or can Claire find her happy ending after all?
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EXCERPT:


Two very large, strong hands caught me and I looked up into the most beautiful face I’d seen since this morning.

“Josh? Hi, Josh!” I squealed, bouncing in his arms as he smiled down at me. I kept bouncing, my racing heart thumping faster than the music as his hands slid around my back. “I didn’t know you were here.” I was smiling like an idiot.

“You’re a rather focused dancer.”

“I am! Never do it…dance, I mean. But it’s fun!” The song ended and I frowned.

He laughed. “Should I make them play the song again? I will if it will make that pathetic little frown disappear.”

Another song began. It was slower, but it still had a good beat. “No, I think this will work and I won’t sing–even better.”

“I liked your singing.” He was looking at me…the way he always looked at me.

I felt light-headed and dizzy as I stared up at him, wobbling on unsteady feet. I knew I was drunk, but now there was more than just alcohol heating me up from the inside.

His hands were firm, guiding me closer to him. I let one hand rest on his chest as we swayed together. Between the buzzing euphoria from my many drinks and the raging hunger burning in his eyes, my every nerve was tingling. I was more than a little pleased with life at the moment.

I quivered under his touch. His fingers splayed across my lower back, fitting us closer together. We danced with the music, our movements in sync with one another.

Under the flashing colored lights, my hand looked red and then green against the white of his shirt. I felt the heat of his skin, the solid strength of his muscles through the fabric of his shirt. His scent, his touch, his…presence stirred images of our night together, sharp in my otherwise foggy mind. My skin grew more sensitive and my senses flooded with him.

I was aching for him, all of him. Now. My breath grew short as I remembered how he felt buried deep inside me.

The rational side of my brain knew I was losing control, but there was too much alcohol in my system. I had no fear or inhibition. And I liked the fire raging inside of me.

My eyes slid to his mouth and I felt my tongue wet my lips.

His breath hitched and he closed his eyes. When he looked at me again, there was little doubt he knew exactly what I was feeling.

The song ended and I felt myself being guided from the floor.

“Taking her home?” Shannon had apparently returned to the table. She and Arthur regarded us with interest.

There were three other people at the table now. I didn’t know them. But I didn’t really care at the moment. I wanted to kiss the pulse wildly beating in Josh’s throat. I was vaguely aware that now might not be the right time for that. I glanced at his neck. It looked very kissable.

“Unless you have other plans?” Josh looked from Shannon to me.

I was looking at him as if I were about to eat him. It wasn’t intentional; that was really what I wanted to do at the moment…because he was so damn gorgeous…

He looked back at Shannon, his jaw muscle noticeably rigid.

“I recommend you get her home. And make her drink some water at some point, please,” Shannon added. “Here.” She handed Josh some keys and waved at me with a smile.

Then we were heading toward the door.

“Wait.” I stopped. We weren’t moving, but everything seemed to be moving around me. “You’re here with friends?”

His hands clasped my shoulders, steadying me. He smiled down at me. “Yes.”

“You shouldn’t leave them….I don’t want to mono…monopolize you.” My words trailed off as my eyes met his.

He wanted me. I could see it. His nostrils flared just a bit. His jaw clenched and unclenched. I smiled slowly. I liked that I could make him react this way.

I asked, “Don’t you want to stay?” Say no.

If he wanted to stay, I might be able to stop staring at him or thinking about how perfectly we fit together. It wasn’t completely out of the question, not yet. My eyes fell to his lips and my smile grew.

“No.” He leaned closer, whispering in my ear, “Claire, we have to leave now if you’re going to look at me like that.” His face reflected the hunger I felt.

My voice was husky as I whispered, “I’ll be good.” Not a chance.

He paused, his eyebrow rose in question. “You want to stay?”

“Nope.” My eyes fell to his mouth again.

Josh’s smile was pinched as he led me to the exit.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

AUTHOR Bio and Links: 

Sasha Summers is part gypsy. Her passions have always been storytelling, history, romance, and travel. She writes both lyrical romantic fantasy and contemporary romance. Her first play was written for her Girl Scout troupe. She's been writing ever since. She loves getting lost in the worlds and characters she creates; even if she frequently forgets to run the dishwasher or wash socks when she's doing so. Luckily, her four brilliant children and hero-inspiring hubby are super understanding and supportive.

Website/Blog: www.sashasummers.com

InkSpell Publishing Link:

Amazon Links:

Barnes & Noble:


Review:

5 Stars

It took one single moment for Claire to leave her abusive marriage, she had reasoned all the reasons she couldn't leave, but never the reason she could.  For her birthday Claire visits a friend in Los Angeles, for the first time in a long time she feels free, a new person ready to venture into the world.  Not expecting to attend a big Hollywood premiere, Claire only takes a second for an embarrassing moment of crashing into Hollywood’s hottest new star Josh Wiley.

Josh is entranced by the woman in front of him, her carefree nature and ability to be honest about what she is thinking is refreshingly new.  As one special night leaves them both finding something precious, they both venture into seeing what it might become, but Claire’s past has left her with some emotional scars and issues with trusting another, but Josh is not one to be deterred by the woman who has captured his body and soul.

I have always thought of a movie as a means of escape, to immerse myself totally into the scenery and characters, the unexpected surprises, laughter, and tears it contains, this story captures this essence well.  I thought it was  a magical story and cannot wait to read more from this talented author.

Sasha will be awarding two $10.00 Amazon gift cards and One Romantic Movie Gift Basket (Movies that inspired Hollywood Ever After – Notting Hill, The Holiday, Love Actually, and My Big Fat Greek Wedding (US/Canada only)) to three randomly drawn commenters during the tour.

18 comments:

  1. That is a wonderful excerpt & your review confirmed my thoughts.

    marypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com

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  2. I really loved the excerpt and the review was awesome.

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  3. Happy Friday! I'm so pleased you enjoyed Josh and Claire's story :) And thank you for the glorious review! It means so much to know that the story touched you. Was there a favorite scene or character for you, or anyone who has read the book?
    Again - thanks so much for your time and thoughts!

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  4. Well, it's the last day of the tour and I want to say I've enjoyed following you around, learning more about you and your books. So, thanks for a good time! Betcha don't hear that very often! LOL

    And one last question before we go: I've heard it said so many times that the first line of a book must grab the reader's attention in order for the reader to continue. Is that all important first line actually the first line you write? Or do you get your story started and go back later to discover what will be the perfect first line?

    kareninnc at gmail dot com

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    1. Great question Karen! Sometimes it is the first line I write - sometimes it's the first line that grabs my attention and demands that story is written. Other times I go back and try to find one that delivers a solid hook. And sometimes, it's your editor that points out the 'right' one. Thanks so much for the question and for all the comments Karen! Enjoy your Thanksgiving holidays!

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  5. Nice review :) I like the cover and thank you for the sneak peak, it looks good

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    1. Hi Lily, It is a great review, isn't it? Hope you have a chance to pick up a copy. Thanks for stopping by and have a lovely weekend.

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  6. This book sounds like a fun read :) Thanks for the review

    carrie dot rogozinski at shaw.ca

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    1. Hi Carrie - Thanks for stopping by! if you read HEA, let me know what you think. Have a great weekend.

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  7. I want to say thank you for hosting this last stop. I enjoyed the simplicity of the review, just enough to grab our attention and say read!

    Sasha I do hope you are feeling better. I have enjoyed learning a bit about you, and your book. I have it on my next to purchase list.

    I'm still curious where you got Joey's character from? Is he strictly from the movies or someone you know in person?

    Lmbrunken at gmail dot com

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    1. I'm feeling much better - thank you! Josh isn't based on anyone I know, he was basically the perfect foil for what Claire needed. And as I wrote, he became just that - wrapped in a lovely youn, hot, British guy exterior. :)
      Thanks so much for coming on the blog tour with me!

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  8. Loved the review, I can't wait to read the story. I have enjoyed the tour, thank you.

    Kit3247(at)aol(dot)com

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  9. Hey Ingeborg! Thanks for hanging with me through so many stops! I hope you have a great weekend - read some good books and get some r&r!

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  10. Looks like a fabulous story. Can't wait to read and review sarah.intidam@gmail.com

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  11. Great giveaway! I'm an old follower here just stopping by to catch up on some of your posts! Have a wonderful weekend! :)

    Leigh Ann
    MaMa's Book Corner

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  12. You are right, it does sound magical. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the novel

    fencingromein at hotmail dot com

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  13. I love all of the romantic movies that you mention (Notting Hill; The Holiday; My Big Fat Greek Wedding; and Love Actually). I'd add Sleepless in Seattle (or You've Got Mail). They are the new classic rom-coms. I'm a devotee of the classic romances on Turner Classic Movies (TCM)...movies such as Desk Set, Bringing Up Baby, His Girl Friday, That Touch of Mink.
    catherinelee100 at gmail dot com

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