She didn’t turn on the lamp because sneak eating, like forbidden sex, was best if done in the dark, a temporary fantasy against the reality waiting back in the icy winds of Michigan, where a book of business, a fat gray cat, and no man’s arms waited to keep her warm, and now, she didn’t even have the comfort of her own personal insulation to guard against the chill of loneliness.
A sudden tap on her door sent Lisa rocketing to her feet, furtive instincts making her shove the half-emptied plate beneath her bed and brush at the brownie crumbs that dotted the front of her skirt before she went to answer the door.
She smiled, positive Harlan Jameson could see those calories settling about her hips as he asked, “How ‘bout we share a little moonlight together or have you got something better lined up for this evening?” He touched the corner of her mouth, coming away with a telltale glob of whipping cream as Lisa cringed, waiting for his lecture.
Instead, Harlan sucked the goo off his thumb, offered his arm, and the lure of cream puffs disappeared.
The endless expanse of water was like a rippling field of dark wheat, bathed in the golden glow of the liner’s running lights as the vessel smoothly cut through the restless sea, sending up a fine mist they could feel even five decks up.
Angling toward Lisa, Harlan asked, “Mind if I get something out of the way?”
She had barely enough time to shut her eyes before his lips touched hers, the kiss brief, unpressured, and as wonderful as she’d imagined.
“I can’t resist the taste of chocolate, either.”
When she looked up, her invitation was plain—Help yourself to another sample.
The above is a peek from a reissue that’s ON SALE for only $1.99 (!) through the 31st. A last call for summer to enjoy, living the dream on a cruise with the reality of winter waiting.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
TOTALLY YOURS by Dana Ransom
When a popular self-improvement program gives Lisa Reynolds a smoking hot body, she wins an unexpected prize: a Caribbean cruise as the club's corporate spokesmodel. Lisa, a hardworking insurance sales rep who prides herself on her brains, hesitantly accepts the siren call of being admired for her figure, too.
But suddenly this new glamour girl faces magnetic CEO Harlan Jameson, whose interest in her matches her attraction to him, except...the "real" Lisa isn't this workout babe he created. And old self-doubts about being loved for herself resurface.
Harlan's not what she thinks. A self-made success, lonely, and isolated by a busy schedule...he's drawn to Lisa's honesty and warmth. When he understands her fears, he sets out to prove there's only one thing he wants her to change for him: her last name.
Happy weekend! Happy Writing!
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Ew, a foodie book with a hunky, chocolate-loving man! What's not to love? The last line says it all...great snippet!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Doc E!!
DeleteExcellent story line, Nancy. I think (and I speak for myself here) that the 'fat girl' hides deep in a lot of us who have attained 'normal' dimensions. And, if you are hungry for love... you are always hungry.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Kim. Yes, that self-image continues to lurk no matter what the 'outside' attains.
DeleteHaha, I'm guilty of sneak eating in the dark, but my indulging is never interrupted by a sexy man. :D Great snippet!
ReplyDeleteNo calories, you know! Thanks, Julie.
DeleteThis snippet says so much. But chocolate kisses really are the best!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Christina.Valentine's Day got that right!
DeleteAh, the power of chocolate. It seems as though they both enjoy the taste. Speaking as a chocaholic I have great sympathy with her.
ReplyDeleteThe undervalued aphrodisiac! Thanks, Rachel.
DeleteSo much for the boring business book and the gray cat LOL. Great snippet.
ReplyDeleteIndeed! Though I do like the cat.
DeleteThat first paragraph frames the context perfectly! I'm glad you included the blurb, knowing how she got here adds a whole new dimension to the scene.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Ian! It's all in how you hang it.
DeleteVery sexy in a sweet way! It's very true that while one can change on the outside, it's much harder to change on the inside. Great snippet! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jessica. We're all works in progress.
DeleteGreat job capturing her fears and longings, and the image of the ocean was absolutely gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Alexis! Always loved cruising.
DeleteYou managed to paint a complete picture of what was going on, her feelings, hunger and then , the man. Nice writing.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Charmaine!!
DeleteIf the workout program and the new body didn't change her self-image, I'm thinking Harlan's kisses might just do the trick. I hope so, at least. :) Very romantic snippet.
ReplyDeleteThe best medicine . . . Thanks, Jenna!
DeleteOoo that was sweet! Pun intended. Loved this snippet so much! :D
ReplyDeleteThanks, Amy, pun and all!
DeleteI love her! The last line is perfect. Great snippet, Nancy.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Di!!
DeleteI love this. Great lead in. It is so easy to see yourself in Lisa, the hidden insecurities under the skin.
ReplyDeleteWe've all got 'em. Thanks, Shari!
DeleteThis guy is smooth. Love it!
ReplyDeleteYes, he is. Thanks, Karen!
DeleteWell, who can resist chocolate, anyway? I know it's important to be healthy, but sometimes life takes all the fun out of food. Too bad she feels so guilty over her enjoyment.
ReplyDeleteCute and funny, I enjoy Lisa's voice. :)
ReplyDeleteGood for her. Her secret escaped, yet she escaped censure.
ReplyDeleteWish I'd thought of that last line! Good one.
ReplyDeleteGreat snippet! Who can resist chocolate? Love the last line!.
ReplyDeleteI've especially loved your Dana Ransom books; so glad they are coming out on kindle ;)
ReplyDelete