Book Blitz and Giveaway: Sky High by C.J. Lake

Sky High by C.J. Lake
(The Attraction #3)
Publication date: May 2015
Genres: New Adult, Romance

Synopsis:

**All books in C.J. Lake’s Attraction Series are standalone novels with NO cliffhangers.**

First she stole my parking spot.  Then we became friends.  Then I fell completely, mind-torturingly in love with her.  Oh, wait—I think that happened first.

Sky High by C.J. Lake – coming in May!

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/24514174-sky-high?ac=1

Purchase:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Sky-High-Attraction-Book-3-ebook/dp/B00X1MYSP2/ref=la_B00LYVFAKE_1_5?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1430611295&sr=1-5

Q&A with C.J. Lake

What makes Jamie and Sky such a great couple?

When the story begins, Sky is in a tough transition, finally coming to terms with the fact that her ski career is over after it had only just begun—and that she has to figure out what’s next.  She has become somewhat negative and cynical, but when Jamie comes along with his easygoing, funny personality, he inevitably brings a positive energy to Sky’s life.  

If you had to choose, what is your favorite scene?

Sky and Jamie have a confrontation about their whole “friendship” and what’s really been happening below the surface.  It’s a pretty intense, sexy scene and I love that whole moment between them! 

Do you have a music playlist for this book?

Yes!  My #1 Jamie-Sky inspiration song is “Afterlife” by Ingrid Michaelson—but there are so many fun, romantic songs that remind me of their love!  Like: “Want to Want Me” (Jason Derulo), “Sugar” (Maroon 5), “Boom Clap” (Charli XCX), “Riptide” (Vance Joy), “Classic” (MKTO), “Love Me Like You Do” (Ellie Goulding), and “Unconditional” (Katy Perry).

What are your must-haves while writing?

I’d like to say good lighting and espresso—but truthfully, I’ll write even when I’m out of espresso.  Still…good lighting is a must and I will pretty happily settle for regular coffee.

What else should readers know?

Sky High is the third book in The Attraction Series.  Like the other books in the series, Sky High is a standalone novel—although characters from Constructing Us (Book 1) and A Hot Winter (Book 2) also appear, so readers can see how they’re doing!  I had a lot of fun with this book, because Jamie is one-of-a-kind and I hope I captured that.

What’s next?

Coming up are Parts 2 & 3 of The Allnighter (My New Stepbrother).  I recently released Part 1, which you can check out here: http://amzn.to/1cuDWZc  Mick and Cady would be perfect together…if only the timing and circumstances weren’t so imperfect!  The rest of their sexy and at times funny love story is coming soon…

Also, Let it Burn (Book 4 in the Attraction Series), is coming in 2016!

***

EXCERPT 1:

“Hmm, is there a deep-seated reason for your pessimism about guys?”

“No comment.”

“Ah, so there is a reason,” Jamie said.

“It’s a long story,” Sky said with finality, effectively shutting down the topic.

“I see,” Jamie commented, nodding. 

“You couldn’t possibly,” she challenged.

“Okay, I don’t see everything,” he admitted casually, “but I get the general picture.  You’re the girl your friends are always trying to set up—but you hate every guy, right?”

“No, not at all,” Sky insisted.  How did he know?  “Though my friends do claim that I’m too picky.  But really, I’m not!”

“Ah, so you’re one of those too-picky girls.”

“I’m not!” she yelped, a grin fighting to break through.  “The thing is, I know what I want and I don’t want to settle.”

“So, what do you want then?” he asked her pointedly. 

“I’d just like someone normal and appealing and fun,” Sky said.  “But, you know, smart and interesting and actually honest.  He has to be employed,” she continued, thinking about it, “and preferably not a felon.”

“So is that it?” Jamie said, as he chomped on a steak fry.  “Is that the whole list?  Or is there more?”

“Um…yes, I’m sure there’s more.”

“Of course there is!”

Giggling, Sky said, “Hey, I like to be thorough.  Did I mention employed?”

“Yes.”

“Intelligent?”

“Yes, you said that one, too.”

“Oh!  I know.  Insightful.  Considerate.  Funny without being a clown, and ambitious without being a showoff.  I’d also like him not to be a total horndog.”

At that, Jamie froze.  “Excuse me?”

Sky’s eyes roamed around Jamie’s kitchen in a way that was deliberately casual, as she explained, “I just don’t want someone who is totally obsessed with sex, that’s all.”

He set down his steak fry, assessing her.  “Just to clarify here…you are looking for a guy, right?”

“Yes.  Why?”

He shrugged.  “Just checking.  Wasn’t sure there for a second.”

“See, but that’s the whole problem,” Sky blurted, thinking about the past—even though she really, truly, deeply did not want to, “guys can fool you.”  

“How?” Jamie asked curiously. 

“They…they can have a dark side,” was all she said.  “Of course they don’t show it until it’s too late.  You know, sometimes I just don’t feel like putting in the effort to meet a new guy, because how can I know he’s not really a total A-hole?”

“You can’t,” Jamie admitted.  “At first.  But I could help you with that.”

Sky’s brows pinched as she studied him.  “Help me how?”

“All right, Sky,” Jamie said, sounding confident, and pushed aside his plate.  “I’m going to do you a personal favor.  You can thank me later.  Or now—your call.”

Squinting at him, Sky said, “What are you talking about?”

“I’ll help you filter out the losers right away.”

“How?”

“Simple.  I’m a guy myself.  I know what other guys are about.  Just the way you girls all understand each other—but guys don’t understand girls very well at all.  Am I right?”

“Yes,” she agreed.  “But…how would this work?”

“How about this?  If I run into you while you’re out on one of your blind dates, I’ll let you know my read on the guy.  Right then and there.  We’ll need some sort of signal, of course.”

“Hmm…I’m tempted to go along with this,” Sky said thoughtfully.  “But I’m skeptical.”

“Of course you are,” Jamie said, nonplussed.  “You’re a cynic.  Let me help you.”

She gave a laugh and rolled her eyes.  “Fine, so is this a pass/fail type of thing?”

“Pass/fail, yes, that’s a good idea,” Jamie agreed.

“And what kind of signal should we use?  It would have to be really subtle, of course.”

“Let’s keep it simple,” Jamie suggested.  “Thumbs down means dump him.  Thumbs up means hump him.”

“That’s disgusting.”

Jamie laughed out loud.  “I’m kidding.”

Shaking her head, Sky laughed, too.  Then said: “Why would you even want to help me with my dating life anyway?”

“Why not?” Jamie replied.  “You’re helping me, right?” he said, motioning to the plant on the windowsill.  “We’ll call it even.” 

***

EXCERPT 2:

“Why are you so pissed?”

Jamie spared her a cold glance over his shoulder.  For a fleeting moment, she thought he might deny his anger or talk around it, but instead he muttered, “You know why.”

Sucking in a breath, Sky hesitated.  For a long moment, she watched him picking up weights and stacking them (loudly), feeling like she had a wad of cotton in her throat.  She wasn’t sure what to say or how to play this; she only knew that she needed Jamie to be her friend again—and so much more than that—and she wasn’t going to insult his intelligence by playing dumb.

“Look, I didn’t even want to go on that date,” she told him, still talking to his back.  “It was a last-minute favor to Alison—she begged me!”  Wordlessly, Jamie stacked two more weights, then scooped up a dumbbell. 

Frustrated, Sky said, “Look, she begged me as a personal favor to go out with him.”

With his back still to her, he said, “Yeah, did she beg you to bring the guy back home with you, too?” 

Sky winced at that.  “The date didn’t mean anything, Jamie.” 

God, he was being difficult.  Was he going to make her say it first?  Didn’t he know how scary that was? 

Suddenly he whipped his head around, as if a thought had just occurred to him.  “Wait—is he downstairs right now?  Waiting for you?”

“No!” Sky nearly yelped.  “No, he’s not there.  He left.”

“Ah,” Jamie said with a nod.  “So that’s why you’re here.  Let me guess: you want my opinion now.”

“No,” Sky began, shaking her head, “that’s not—”

“Well,” Jamie declared, “my opinion is that this is bullshit.”

Stunned, Sky just blinked at him for a second.  “Exactly which part?” she asked, confused.

“This whole thing with you and me,” he stated bluntly.  “And I’m done with it.”

For a terrifying second, Sky panicked.  How was he “done” with it?  With her?  “What does that mean?” she said, trying to keep her voice from betraying what a hot mess of emotions she was right now.

Jamie started walking toward her, his eyes burning with anger.  “It means: I don’t want to be your friend and I don’t want to hear about these guys anymore.”

“That’s what I’m trying to—”

“What do you even need my input for anyway?” Jamie continued brusquely, and Sky’s breath hitched in her throat.  She’d never seen him this angry (and was it wrong that it was turning her on?)  “You’re a grown woman,” he practically barked at her, stopping his processional about five feet away from her.  “You go be with whoever you want to be with.” 

Nodding, Sky felt her adrenaline rise.  “Fine, I will.  In fact, that’s exactly what I’m going to do,” she promised, walking closer to him.  If he was missing her meaning, he certainly wouldn’t be missing it for long...

AUTHOR BIO:

C.J. Lake is a storyteller who is passionate about art, surfing, and skiing/snowboarding. Residing near the coast of Massachusetts, C.J. is currently working on a new book. Readers can get in touch via email (writercjlake@gmail.com) or follow C.J. on Twitter @brightbluesurf.

GIVEAWAY

Blitz-wide giveaway (INTL)

• A $15 gift card to Amazon and a signed copy of C.J.'s first book, Constructing Us.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Blitz and Giveaway: The Allnighter by C.J. Lake

The Allnighter by C.J. Lake
(My New Stepbrother #1)
Publication date: April 19th 2015
Genres: Contemporary, New Adult, Romance

Synopsis:

*Story contains explicit/steamy scenes that are intended for mature readers.

Cady is still reeling from her one-and-done night of passion with a sexy guy she met at a bar—she’s still overwhelmed just thinking about it!—when she unexpectedly comes face-to-face with him again.  It’s bad enough that Mick lied about who he was, but now Cady discovers he’s about to become her…what??!

*Note: The Allnighter is a continuing story.  Stay tuned for Part 2 coming soon!

Q&A with C.J. Lake

What makes Mick & Cady from The Allnighter such a great couple?

For them it’s very basic: he’s generally laid back and she’s a bit repressed.  That might sound like a clash, but actually it’s perfect, because Mick can get her to relax.  To lighten up—and even be uninhibited.  They are physically attracted to each other from the beginning, and Mick has a way of drawing out Cady’s hidden passion, and disarming her with his confidence.

What should readers know?

The Allnighter is a continuing story.  You will definitely want to stay tuned to see how Mick and Cady’s intense relationship evolves.  What starts as a passionate hook-up, turns into a tension-filled “platonic situation” as they face their parents’ upcoming wedding and try to stay away from each other...   

What’s next?

My new book, Sky High, was just released!  Sky High is Book 3 of my Attraction Series.  It’s a standalone novel - an upbeat, sexy story that features Jamie Bardo (a lovable secondary character from Books 1 + 2), and his new neighbor, Sky Dirente, a cynical girl who has had her ski career cut short.  To say sparks fly between them is an understatement!  amzn.to/1FH4O3u

Next up is Part 2 of The Allnighter, coming this summer!!

How can readers reach you?

For quick updates on new releases, follow me on Twitter @brightbluesurf.  Also, readers can always drop me a line at: writercjlake@gmail.com.

EXCERPT 1:

“I technically can get a taxi myself,” Cady said, shivering.  “If I couldn’t do that, I’d really be hopeless.”

“Of course,” Mick agreed.  “I just wanted to walk out with you.”  Predictably, the night had grown colder, and now the wind was biting.  Mick boldly put his hands on Cady’s upper arms and gave them a rub through her jacket.  “Let’s warm you up,” he said.

Appearing cautious, Cady asked, “After I go, are you going to meet Quinn and your friends at that party?”

“No.  Definitely not.”

“Not your scene?”

“Nope,” he told her truthfully.

“Yeah, actually I’m surprised your friend, Quinn, wants to go,” Cady mentioned.  “Those parties are usually BU and BC people.  Since he’s twenty-four…”  Again she shivered and Mick put his arm around her.  She seemed momentarily flustered.  “I, um, guess I assumed he’d be over hanging out with college students.”

“Quinn’s very immature,” Mick said—also the truth.  “Listen, Cady, there’s something I want to say…”

Before he got to tell her that he wasn’t really twenty-four and that he didn’t work in private security—that it was a stupid line Quinn used and could they just start over?—he got distracted by Cady reaching up and placing her hand on his chest.  She did so tentatively, and didn’t retract when Mick froze for a second.  His pulse sped up and his chest tightened as she curled the fabric of his shirt into her fingers, silently inviting him closer. 

The action sent a signal straight to his cock, which was already stiffening in anticipation.

“This is probably a mistake,” she whispered, obviously trying to talk herself out of what she wanted.  Mick let her talk—though he inched slightly closer, and she didn’t back away.  “It’s just…” she began, her soft voice drifting off for a moment as the wind loudly tousled the trees.  

Mick waited, not sure where she was going with this.  And definitely not expecting her to say:

“It’s just that I have no fun.”

After a careful pause, he said, “Are you saying that you want to have fun?”

“Yes.”

“With me?”

She dropped her eyes toward the sidewalk, but clutched his shirt a little tighter.  “Yes.”

He could see a shy grin tugging at the corner of her mouth, so he slid a hand under her jaw to tilt her face up.  When their eyes met, Cady gazed at him for a moment, almost fascinated, then murmured, “Let’s just kiss first and see how it is.”

He might have been mildly amused by her awkward seduction style—if only she didn’t have him totally aroused instead.  “Sure,” Mick agreed, stepping even closer and lowering his head.  Soon both hands were on his chest, gripping the front of his shirt, as their mouths came together…

EXCERPT 2:

“Cady, all I can say is I’m sorry.  Just tell me this: were you ever going to use my number?”

Suddenly it was hard to breathe.  She’d stared at that number a thousand times.  Maybe it was pride that made her lie, maybe it was self-preservation.  Maybe it was knowing that their parents were dating and possibly—albeit insanely—might get married, and that this whole thing with her and Mick needed to disappear.  But, unapologetically, she said, “Of course not.  We agreed, once and that was it.  Now we need to honor that.”

Apparently her prim tone didn’t scare him off.  In fact, Mick surprised her by giving a gruff laugh—and leaning his face even closer.  “No, we don’t.”

“W-what do you mean?”

“Cady, come on.  That one-and-done crap was never going to work with us; I knew it as soon as we started kissing.”  Did he have to say it all sexy and confident like that?  She could feel stirrings she didn’t want to feel.  Her mouth suddenly felt dry, while another part of her was getting wet…

Suddenly Mick’s mouth was by her hair.  “Damn, you smell so good right now,” he whispered.

“Oh, God…” Cady eked out weakly, feeling like they might start kissing or something right there.  “Mick, stop—we can’t do this here.”

“You’re right,” he agreed on a short breath.  “So, your apartment later?”

“No,” she insisted, putting her palm between them and giving his chest a shove.  Too bad it reminded her of how hard and strong his body was, which reminded her of how good he was with his hands.  “I mean that we can’t do this now or at all,” Cady stated firmly.  Someone had to stay in control here.  “Our parents are dating,” she said emphatically.  She didn’t reveal that her dad was on the cusp of proposing.  Instead, she shrugged and said vaguely, “Hey, they could end up married or something.  Which would obviously make anything with you and me unacceptable.”

“Sorry—but it’s not obvious to me.”

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25397524-the-allnighter?ac=1

Purchase:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Allnighter-My-New-Stepbrother-Part-ebook/dp/B00WF5S7EY/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1431007332&sr=1-1&keywords=The+Allnighter+lake

AUTHOR BIO:

(No author photo available)

C.J. Lake is a storyteller who is passionate about art, surfing, and skiing/snowboarding. Residing near the coast of Massachusetts, C.J. is currently working on a new book. Readers can get in touch via email (writercjlake@gmail.com) or follow C.J. on Twitter @brightbluesurf.

GIVEAWAY

Blitz-wide giveaway (INTL)

A $15 gift card to Amazon and a signed copy of C.J.'s first book, Constructing Us.

 ends May 21st:

  a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Blitz and Giveaway: A Hot Winter by C.J. Lake

A Hot Winter by C.J. Lake
Publication date: December 2nd 2014
Genres: New Adult, Romance

Synopsis:

*Story contains explicit/steamy scenes that are intended for mature readers.
**All books in C.J. Lake’s Attraction Series are standalone novels with NO cliffhangers.

It was supposed to be a simple job.  A favor for a friend, nothing complicated.  But that was before I realized who Emma was.  I knew I wasn’t imagining the tension between us–still there and getting stronger every second.  She wanted to keep things professional now.  I suppose we’d have to try–because if we gave in…once would never be enough…

I never thought I’d see Matt Winter again, and now here he was.  Working on my house!  Making me nervous, flustered, and almost breathless.  Disarming me and making me feel things I haven’t even considered since my husband died four years ago.  No, I don’t want to want him.  My life was in order before he came, and I’m leaving Boston anyway.  Forget Matt.  It’s the only logical option.  So…why can’t I stay away from him?

Excerpt:

“All right, honest conversation,” she said after a moment that was quiet, but rife with tension.  “Yes.  I was flirting with you in the store--but only because I never thought I’d see you again.”

“You never wanted to see me again?”  He sounded somewhere between incredulous and insulted.  “Damn, Emma!”

“No, no,” she clarified, rapidly shaking her head, “this is coming out wrong.  I just meant I thought you were a random handsome guy with a hot body, end of story.” 

Every male impulse in him intensified when he heard those words.  Handsome?  Hot body?  This was definitely going to happen. 

“I never knew you’d end up working at my house…and driving me crazy everyday,” Emma mumbled partly under her breath.  Still, Matt heard every word.  And he was itching to grab her.    

He stepped closer--close enough for their bodies to touch.  Finally.  His cock stiffened as his chest grazed Emma’s back.  “Driving you crazy?” Matt repeated, bringing his mouth closer to her ear.  “Here I thought I was being nice all this time.”

She let out an unsteady breath.  “You know what I mean.”

“No,” he said, his voice low and urgent as his hands slid onto her waist.  “Explain it to me.”

Already he felt the sexual tension burning between them; what would it be like once he kissed her?  She had to feel it, too.  Though she still stubbornly had her back to him, she hadn’t moved away, not even a centimeter. 

When she spoke, her voice was a soft, breathy sort of whisper that sounded as aroused as he felt.  “I admit I find you…attractive…”

“Mmm-hmm,” he murmured, tugging her lower body against his as he leaned down to nuzzle her neck. 

Softly, Emma gasped, before continuing, “But…since I’m moving in just a couple weeks, there’s no point to…anything…”  She let out a tiny little moan when Matt grazed her neck with his teeth.  “I-I hope you understand.”

“I understand perfectly,” he said, his mouth against her ear.  “You’re attracted to me,” he recapped, skipping the rest of what she’d said. 

“But--”

“And I’m deeply attracted to you,” he murmured, as he tightened his grip on her waist and nudged her bottom with his cock.  When Emma moaned again, Matt seized the opportunity.  He slid a hand into her hair and angled her head toward him, urging her to turn around. 

“Matt, please…” she implored, half-turned, her greenish eyes looking almost troubled as she gazed up into his face. 

Pausing, he tried to regain his sanity.  Obviously he’d never want to push Emma into something she didn’t want.  “Are you saying you don’t want me to kiss you right now?” he asked.

“What I want doesn’t matter.”

“Like hell it doesn’t,” he nearly snapped.  Why was she making this so complicated?

“It’s part of being an adult,” Emma said, casting her eyes down, her voice faint.  “We can’t always have what we want.  That’s life.”

“Believe me, I know that,” Matt told her.  “If I could have what I want, then we wouldn’t be having this conversation--I would’ve been kissing you all this time.  I would be doing the crossword puzzle with you every morning.  I would be fixing that screwed-up weather-stripping, just so you’d be warm.  I would grab you and pull you onto my lap…”  With her eyes widening, Emma’s mouth fell open, as Matt dipped his head lower and finished, “If I could have what I want, then I’d already be running my hands inside your panties right now.”

“Matt…” she whispered helplessly, wetting her lips as her face rose to meet his. 

Excerpt:

Wordlessly, she handed him the check.  Folding it, he shook his head.  “Man, I’m so glad nothing happened between us last night,” he muttered as he stuck the check in his pocket.

Emma’s face crumpled.  “What?” she said, feeling insulted and hurt (even though she’d basically given him the longer version of the same sentiment).

With a short, humorless laugh, Matt said, “I don’t need this drama.”

“No one has ever accused me of being overdramatic.”

“If you give me this big of a hassle over a bill, God knows what you’d do to me in bed,” he said. 

“I wouldn’t do anything to you!  Wait--I didn’t mean it the way it sounded…” she fumbled.

“You’d probably tell me I’m doing it wrong.”

Rage boiled inside her, as she struggled for a comeback.  “I’d only tell you that if you were.”

With a cocky laugh, Matt leaned his face toward hers and said, “I do it just fine.”

She pasted on a patronizing smile.  “Well good for you.”

“It could have been good for you, too,” he remarked plainly.  “But that ship has sailed.”

At first, Emma’s mouth dropped open.  Then she let out a shocked sort of laugh.  “Oh my God!  I hope you’re not seriously trying to use reverse psychology to get me to sleep with you?”

Impatiently, Matt said, “Emma, aren’t you listening?  I don’t even want to sleep with you anymore.”

With her fists balling at her sides, she said, “Good.  Actually, that works out well, because I really don’t want to sleep with you.”

“Uh-huh, sure, okay,” Matt said briskly.  “Well, I’m glad we’ve cleared that up now.”  He turned toward the door, adding, “Now it won’t have to be unclear when I cross paths with you again someday.”

“Don’t worry, you probably won’t cross paths with me anyway,” she called after him.  “I’m leaving remember?”

At that, Matt paused, looked back at her.  His expression seemed more solemn.  “Right, I forgot, well…good bye, Emma.”

“Wait.”

With his hand on the doorknob, Matt turned. 

Impulsively, Emma reached for the stack of envelopes that was sitting on hutch by the stairs.  She flipped through it and pulled out the one with Matt’s name on it.  “Here,” she said, walking toward him.  At first he just eyed the envelope, confused.  “It’s a Christmas card,” Emma explained offhandedly.  “You might as well take it now.” 

Wordlessly, Matt shifted his gaze from the envelope to Emma’s face.  His dark eyes burned into her.  She swallowed feebly, still holding the card out for him.  “To hell with this,” he uttered gruffly, and slid a hand around her neck, pulled her to him and kissed her.

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23667013-a-hot-winter-new-adult-romance

Purchase: 

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00P9XQN86/ref=x_gr_w_bb?ie=UTF8&tag=httpwwwgoodco-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00P9XQN86&SubscriptionId=1MGPYB6YW3HWK55XCGG2

Q&A with C.J. Lake

What was the inspiration for A Hot Winter?

I didn’t originally intend to write this story, but Matt and Emma seemed to have instant chemistry in my first book, Constructing Us, so I was compelled to explore them as a couple.  They ended up being perfect for each other (though it’s a ride to get there!).

What makes Matt & Emma such a great couple?

There’s a current of attraction between them when they first meet, but neither knows who the other is.  Once they discover the connection (to Tragan and Andy), they try to dial it back--especially once Matt begins work on Emma’s house.  But it’s virtually impossible not to be aware of each other or to keep their distance.  That initial attraction is always there--and building every time they’re together, despite Emma’s determination to keep things platonic.  Something that works in their favor is that while Matt is four years younger than Emma, he is strong and responsible, with a maturity and a protective nature--exactly what she needs!

If you had to choose, what is your favorite scene?

Well, here’s a very short excerpt from it:

“Jesus, Emma,” Matt rasped, pulling back just enough to look into her eyes.  “Why do you torture me?”

Gazing into those intense, dark eyes, Emma became overwhelmed by a longing that was almost painful.  She reached up and brushed her lips across his.  “I didn’t mean to,” she said softly, and it was the truth.  “Don’t go,” she whispered, digging her fingers into his hair and keeping him close.  Lightly she bit his lower lip.  “Don’t go…”

>>I love this whole scene; it’s erotic and emotional and represents a major turning point for Matt and Emma.  Also, it’s literally just the beginning of their first intense night together…

Can you pick a favorite quote?

Hmm…maybe this:

“Being with Matt did something to her.  It brought back a younger version of herself, a younger time in her life.”

>>This is a theme that’s played implicitly throughout the story and a concept that Emma wrestles with and embraces at the same time.  She’s only twenty-seven, but has responsibilities that make her feel older and more settled than that.  Matt taps into her youthful, fun-loving spirit and almost makes Emma forget the reasons why they shouldn’t be together…

Did you have a music play list for this book?

Yes!  My “soundtrack” for A Hot Winter includes songs that fit Matt & Emma so well.  Like “Teenage Dream” (Katy Perry), “Safe and Sound” (Capital Cities), “Am I wrong” (Nico & Vinz), “Everybody Talks” (Neon Trees), “Green Eyes” (Coldplay), and “Everything Has Changed” (Taylor Swift). 

What else should readers know?

• A Hot Winter is set in one of my favorite places: snowy Boston!
• Tragan & Andy, along with other familiar faces from Constructing Us, are back.
• Though my books have overlapping characters, they are all standalone novels--no cliffhangers!

What’s next?

In 2015, look for Sky High (Book 3 in The Attraction series).  Sky High is a fast-paced, romantic and sexy New Adult romance, featuring Jamie from Books 1 & 2.  Stay tuned for more updates, both on Amazon and Twitter (@brightbluesurf) -- plus, readers can email me at: writercjlake@gmail.com.

AUTHOR BIO

C.J. Lake is a storyteller who is passionate about art, surfing, and skiing/snowboarding. Residing near the coast of Massachusetts, C.J. is working on a new book that will feature Tragan Barrett's friend, Matt Winter. Readers can get in touch via email (writercjlake@gmail.com), or follow C.J. on Twitter @brightbluesurf.

GIVEAWAY

Blitz-wide giveaway (US only) A $15 gift card to Amazon + a signed copy of C.J.'s first book, Constructing Us. 



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Book Spotlight and Giveaway: CONSTRUCTING US by C.J. Lake

Today we're featuring Constructing Us by C.J. Lake! Get a peak and don't forget to enter the giveaway below! 

Title: Constructing Us

Author: C.J. Lake

Age: NA

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Release date: July 19, 2014

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Amazon

Blurb:

*Story contains explicit/steamy scenes that are intended for mature readers.

When Andy takes over the lease on her friend Ethan's apartment, he warns her about his roommate, Tragan. According to Ethan, Tragan Barrett is self-centered and inconsiderate, caring more about hanging out with his friends and hitting the local casino than straightening the living room or keeping up with his laundry. Andy isn't too concerned, though, because she isn't moving in to make a friend.

Intended as a short-term living arrangement, the apartment is close to the hospital where Andy is participating in a drug study for a rare disorder she was diagnosed with when she was twenty. Now, fresh out of college, she is trying to figure out her life--and also how to live with the uncertainty of her condition. Figuring she'll go one way and he'll go another, Andy is surprised to learn that Tragan is not exactly the way Ethan painted him. In fact, there's a whole other side to the darkly sexy construction worker...especially when it comes to Andy.

Can an unlikely friendship turn into something much more?

TRAGAN BARRETT:

Tragan was partly inspired by a few of my guy friends.  He’s masculine, laid-back, and not one to over-analyze his emotions--but he’s loyal and his feelings are absolutely sincere.  His biggest vice might be his love of blackjack -- but fortunately, his casino skills are honed and he usually wins.  Looks wise, he has dark hair that is short but messy, a tattoo on his right arm, and a strong build that comes from his work in construction.  Whether or not he’s clean-shaven depends on the day.

 ANDY DELPHIN:
 

I’ve always been drawn to female characters that have a dry sense of humor, but are also vulnerable and sweet.  I think of Andy as having a true natural beauty, inside and out.  People have asked me how much of Andy is like me.  Well, I’m sort of a book junkie like her, and although I don’t cook like she does, I love trying all different cuisines.  Also, I used to live in Boston and still love it there!   

FACTS ABOUT Constructing Us:

*There’s more to Andy’s boyfriend, Dr. Brad, than meets the eye.

*Tray has to enlist his friends to help with a surprise for Andy that she never sees coming.

*When Tragan kisses Andy for the first time, they’re surrounded by a sea of chocolate cupcakes.

*My love of coffee inevitably spills into my stories.

*I handwrote much of this book at the beach.

MUSIC PLAYLIST:

My #1 signature song for Tragan & Andy was “Burn” by Ellie Goulding.  I always thought of them when I heard that song and listened to it a lot while I was working on the book.  There were several other songs that also made me think of their love/passion, especially “Ho Hey” by The Lumineers, “Anywhere But Here” by SafetySuit, “Animal” by Neon Trees, and “Paralyzer” by Finger Eleven.

Excerpt:

After his parents left, Tragan found Andy at the kitchen sink.  She was pulling her hair up into a messy knot at the back of her head, which exposed more of her neck.  He stepped closer, leaned on the counter beside the sink.  “Well, the good news is that my parents had an awesome time.  They absolutely love you.”

“Oh, good…” Andy said, reaching for the dishwashing soap.

“The bad news is that for the rest of her days my mother will now be saying: ‘Why can’t you meet a girl like Andy’?

She gave a laugh at that.  “Technically you did meet me,” she pointed out.

“You know what I mean,” Tragan said.  “Seriously, I can see it now.  ‘Tragan, that stripper you brought home for Thanksgiving?  Why can’t she be more like Andy?’”

Andy shot him a look.  “Stripper?  Really?”

He shrugged.  “You never know,” he said, grinning.

“Personally, I think you should set your sights a little higher,” Andy remarked, tilting her head at him--then corrected herself.  “I shouldn’t say that, because I don’t actually know… Tragan, are you seeing anyone now?”

He shook his head.  “Nope, no,” he said, straightening up a little.  “I’m keeping my options open,” he added for some unknown reason.  He felt like an idiot as soon as he’d said it. 

“That’s good,” she said generically and set more plates into the sink.  As she swished them with soapy water, Tragan found himself thinking about what his mom had said at the door. 

“So are you always this great to people’s parents?” he fished.  “Or…”

“Or what?” 

When she blinked at him, waiting, he lightened his tone, made it more joking.  “Or is there just somethingspecial about Mari and Jack Barrett?”

Her gaze returned to the dishes in the sink as she proclaimed, “They’re very easy to talk to, for real.  I don’t know why you were worried.”

“I wasn’t worried.”

“Sure,” she said, teasing him.  “You know, you’re lucky your parents are still together.  When my dad moved to Switzerland, it was supposed to be a year or so.  We didn’t know he’d end up staying forever.”

When her voice trailed off, Tragan probed, “Do you ever see him?”

Andy nodded.  “Oh, sure, on Skype.  Emma and I visited him in Zurich about two years ago, and he came to the hospital in Chicago when I was sick.  Plus, we talk on the phone and email a lot.”

“That’s cool.”

“Yeah, he’s a good dad.  But it’s still not the same as having my mom and him still together, like yours.”

Selfishly, Tragan was impatient to switch topics.  He loved his parents to death but he didn’t want to talk about them right now.  And he didn’t want to talk about Andy’s parents, either.  “Hey--are you and Brad serious?” he blurted. 

Andy appeared startled by the shift in subject.  At first she hesitated, without replying.  But Tragan held her gaze anyway, determined to learn the answer.

Finally, she shrugged.  “Yeah, I mean, maybe, sure, could be,” she floundered, breaking their eye contact to reach for a towel.  Rubbing it over a wet plate, she babbled on, “He’s a great guy and, you know, I’ve known him for a couple years now, um…plus, we’re still young, it’s not like we have to make any decisions right now…but…my mother likes him and…enh.” 

“Enh?” Tragan repeated skeptically.  “That doesn’t sound good.”

“No, no,” she backpedaled, “I mean…Brad’s great.”

“Right, you said that.”

“And he’s very smart--extremely smart.”

“I’m sure he is,” Tragan agreed (since the guy was a doctor, after all). 

“Above all, though, Brad’s aware of my whole situation and is understanding about it.”  Half-heartedly, Tragan gave a nod, although he really didn’t want to validate that.  Andy seemed healthy to him, and besides that, he didn’t want to act like she had such a bad situation.  “Who knows, we’ll see.”  She let the dishtowel drop on the counter.  “Wow, I’ve been rambling.  You know what?  I’m just gonna finish up these dishes tomorrow.  I’m tired,” she insisted a little too abruptly. 

“Okay.”  He had to assume that his seemingly simple question had hit a nerve.  As she headed to her room, Tragan called after her.  “Listen--you really helped me out tonight.  If there’s ever anything I can do for you, just let me know okay?  So we can call it even.”

There was a momentary pause.  “You know what?  There is something,” Andy told him as she walked back to him.

Tragan’s heart rate kicked up, having the sudden notion that Andy might slide her hands up his chest and press her supple, sexy body into his.  If she did, he would unleash such heat on her, he couldn’t guarantee they’d even make it to the bedroom before they were both going at it like animals. 

“You know how you tend to pile your dirty, sweaty clothes on the floor--in a, sort of, inconvenient heap that’s blocking the dryer?” Andy said.  “Which is charming, by the way.”

Inwardly, Tragan sighed, disappointed.  So much for hot, relentless sex in the kitchen.  “Yes…?”

“I was thinking that maybe you could use a hamper instead?”

Tragan’s eyes dropped down for a second, before returning to hers.  “So that’s all you want from me?  My disgusting laundry out of your way.”

“Well, I wouldn’t call it ‘disgusting.’”

“Fine, I’ll get a hamper.”

“Specifically I was hoping you could use one with a lid--like I have?  I’ll pick you up one.” 

“Andy, I think I can buy my own hamper,” Tragan said, trying not to sound churlish. 

“If you’re sure.  I have no problem treating you; it could be, like, an early Arbor Day present.”

So she wanted to be a smartass.  “Hamper with a lid,” he bit out, glaring at her--and fighting a grin.  “Got it.  Anything else?”

“No, that’s it.  For now.”  She gave him a sweet little wave that exuded sarcasm.  “’Night, roomie!”

Watching her go, he blew out a breath of laughter, in spite of himself.  He shook his head as he heard her bedroom door close.  Now that he was alone in the kitchen, there seemed only one logical thing for him to do.  In fact, he wasn’t clear on anything else at that moment except for this. 

He stepped up to the sink and did the rest of the dishes.  ~

GIVEAWAY

$50 Amazon Gift Card (US only)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

About the Author:

C.J. Lake is a storyteller who is passionate about art, surfing, and skiing/snowboarding. Residing near the coast of Massachusetts, C.J. is working on a new book that will feature Tragan Barrett's friend, Matt Winter. Readers can get in touch via email (writercjlake@gmail.com), or follow C.J. on Twitter @brightbluesurf.