Latest On The Nocturnal Nina Blog
Nina Crespo Presents: Binging on Books with Tracey Livesay
Nina: I’m exited to talk books with Tracey Livesay. I could chat with her all day because she’s fun and I love her sense of humor. She also writes great books that you have to check out!
Nina: If you were on a restricted diet of romance, what would be your main course (genre or trope) and why?
Tracey: If I could only read one genre of books RIGHT NOW, it would be hot contemporary romance novels. Maybe even erotic romance, to get more specific. I’ve been needing the spice and excitement they offer, to get me through this dreary, illness-filled winter.
Nina: What’s your favorite dessert—an alpha or a beta hero?
Tracey: Give me an alpha hero all day, everyday. Not an alpha-hole, an alpha HERO. I’m a strong, passionate woman, and I love the idea of a stronger man who’s intelligent, ambitious and driven. Beta men are nice…as a friend, but alpha men turn me on.
Nina: What’s your after dinner drink? Coffee, tea, wine champagne, brandy (or your choice:).
Tracey: After dinner I love to relax with a glass of wine. Red or white doesn’t matter, but I do prefer sweet.
About Tracey’s Book
An accident changed Leighton Clarke’s life forever.
After waking from a coma, Leighton Clarke can’t remember anything from the past six years. She’s stunned when her doctors inform her she has amnesia, something she didn’t think occurred outside of soap operas. Anxious and disoriented, the only person who elicits any feelings is Jonathan Moran, a gorgeous chef with compassionate brown eyes… who also happens to be her fiancé.
Jonathan isn’t her fiancé. But when his estranged brother–her real husband to be–asks him to step in while he’s away in London, Jonathan doesn’t think he has a choice, especially after seeing how the previously aloof Leighton now responds to him. The more time they spend together, the more Jonathan begins to fall for his brother’s fiancé, until he’s wishing the pretense was reality.
When Leighton’s memories come flooding back, can she forgive the man she’s fallen in love with or will his lie ruin the only thing that feels true?
Excerpt
Stay where you are, Jonathan! This has nothing to do with you, Jonathan!! She’s your brother’s fiancée, Jonathan!!!
He sidled up next to her, staring at her patrician profile as she studied the selection. Her hair caressed her cheeks. He wanted to brush the strands behind her ear, then trace the hills and valleys of the shell with his tongue.
Ahhh shit. So much for staying north of her neck. From this position he had an amazing view of her breasts, lovingly displayed by the bodice of her dress. Clearly more than a handful, the tops were plush and soft, like freshly rising dough.
Why had he thought about positions? About twenty, featuring the two of them, flashed into his mind, like exhibits from a sex museum.
“Do you like any of these?” Her voice was low and serious.
Fuck yeah. Especially the one where those long legs are draped over my shoulders and I’m sliding inside of you while you thumb your clit—
It didn’t take long to realize his error. But because the blood had forsaken his brain only seconds earlier, he replied, “Does it matter? I’m not marrying him.”
She withdrew slightly, as if disappointed by his response.
She’d expected something else? Maybe a mature, thoughtful reaction.
He gazed at the rings and his attention was caught by a solitaire in a classic setting. He picked it up. “What about this one?”
“Oh!” she breathed.
On a whim, he captured her hand and slid the ring on her finger. She inhaled audibly and contentment settled over him. Despite everything being wrong with this scenario, nothing had ever felt so right. The rose gold color of the band and the simple oval cut diamond suited the long slim elegant digit. She held her hand away from her, then brought it closer to her face.
“Do you like it?”
“Yes.” Her voice was filled with surprised wonder. “It’s the one I would’ve picked out.”
“Great minds think alike,” he said in a voice barely above a whisper, conscious of her and their closeness. She smelled incredible, like sunshine and toasted spices.
“I guess so.”
She lowered her hand and lifted her head.
They were so close. A tiny mole near her temple marred the boring perfection of her forehead. The pulse at the base of her neck throbbed and he yearned to kiss it and her. Expressions flittered across her face faster than he could read them, but she didn’t move away.
And he couldn’t.
What would happen if he touched her? Just once. Brushed his thumb along her parted lips, slid his fingers through her hair? Would she let him? And if she did, could he stop there? Or would he want to do more? Like take her juicy bottom lip between his teeth and tug? Would she allow him to do that? Or more? Would she touch him?
“Did you see something you . . . Oh!” Bridge skidded to a stop.
Jonathan shifted smoothly away from Leighton, grabbing a nearby towel and setting to work scrubbing a non-existent spot on the bar. His heart pounded so loudly in his chest it drowned out any other sound. What was he doing? Things may be difficult with Thomas now, but if he’d done what he’d been thinking . . . There would be no coming back from that.
Bridge’s interruption was both the best and worst thing to happen. His biggest problem was he honestly didn’t know which.
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About Tracey Livesay
Tracey Livesay’s latest release is Love Will Always Remember with Avon/HarperCollins. She writes smart, sexy and emotional contemporary romances where strong, successful heroines find love with powerful, passionate heroes. She’s been featured in Entertainment Weekly, The Washington Post and on CBS This Morning. A former criminal defense attorney, she finds crafting believable happily ever afters slightly more challenging than protecting our constitutional rights, but she’s never regretted following her heart instead of her law degree. Tracey lives in Virginia with her husband-who she met on the very first day of law school–and their three children. When not answering the call of wife, mother or author, she runs marathons and daydreams about designer purses.
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The Romance Reviews Anniversary Party
The Romance Reviews is turning 7!
Celebrate with the occasion with new and fascinating books. Visit the site from March 1 to 31 for exciting games and prizes. Play to win awesome giveaways! Lots of prizes up for grabs. Grand prize: $50 Gift Card. I’m giving away an ebook copy of TAKE ME IF YOU DARE. Participating authors include: Rhenna Morgan, Zoe Forward and Kait Gamble.
Visit https://www.theromancereviews.com/event.php.
See you there!
Nina
Fight For You Cover Reveal
I’m excited to share the cover for FIGHT FOR YOU, the second book in the Kingman Brothers series! I hope you’ll enjoy Aiden and Delanie’s story as much as I enjoyed writing about them.
Don’t forget to mark your calendars for the book release on July 9th.
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Seven years ago, Aiden Kingman had to choose between betraying Delanie Clark and her father or staying loyal to his father’s company. He chose his father—losing Delanie in the process—and he’s regretted it ever since. Now as CEO and partner in Kingman Partners International, he needs to finalize buying a retreat property, but there’s one major hold up: Delanie is the contract negotiator for the owner, and she doesn’t trust him.
Delanie and her father lost everything when Aiden’s father lied about his intentions for buying her family’s mountain retreat. She swore that she would never have anything to do with Aiden Kingman again. But now she’s facing him across the negotiating table, and sparks that had previously been stamped out reignite between them. When tragedy places the deal on the line, will they put their history behind them? Or will the deal cost them their second chance at love?
***
Excerpt
The bell on the door jangled.
A woman with shoulder-length dark hair entered, wearing a long, fitted black coat over a turquoise business suit.
Beth? No. That wasn’t her. King said she had light brown hair that was nearly blond.
As the woman strode down the aisle, her pointed black, high-heeled boots clicked sharply on the tiles. She passed the older couple and returned their friendly hellos.
This woman looked like…no, it couldn’t be her. As she reached his table, recognition toppled Aiden’s disbelief and hit him like a brick to the chest.
Delanie dropped her large black tote on the far side of the seat across the table from him, and slid in. As her dark brown gaze locked with his, the pleasant smile she’d shared with everyone else in the restaurant faded. “Hello, Aiden.”
What’s next? Pick up your copy of FIGHT FOR YOU, The Kingman Brothers and find out. Available July 9, 2018.
Copyright © 2018 Nina Crespo. All rights reserved.
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I’m starting a review team for The Kingman Brothers series. If you’re interested in finding out more about the group, reach out to me through the contact form on this website.
Make time to enjoy life and all of the good things that happen at night.
Nina
NEW Nina Crespo news in 3-2-1
Hi Everyone!
Hope all is well in your world.
This is my last blog post for 2017. It’s been an interesting year with unexpected twists and rewards. Positivity, perseverance, and fun are just a few of the things I’m taking with me into 2018, especially as I prepare to release new books.
Be sure to save the dates for my new release celebrations and make time to curl up in your favorite places to read The Kingman Brothers and Breakup Bash series.
You’ll find all of the details here: https://t.co/jv7RBLpbD4
Don’t forget—newsletter subscribers receive early cover reveals and exclusive excerpts. Sign up if you’re not already on the list.
Wishing you love, happy reading experiences, and lots of smiles in 2018!
xoxo
Smurf Cat & Nina
An Afternoon of Romance
Join me and fellow romance authors Robin Covington, Andie J. Christopher, Priscilla Oliveras, Michele Arris, Mia Sosa, Tif Marcelo, and Tracey Livesay for AN AFTERNOON OF ROMANCE on Sunday, December 3rd, at the Honfleur Gallery in Washington, D.C. Attendees who register for this free event will be entered into a drawing for one of two $25 Duende District Bookstore gift certificates.
If you enjoy book talk, giveaways and fun, you must attend. Bring a friend! You don’t have to register to attend the event but doing so will enter you into the drawing.
See you there!
Register here: http://bit.ly/2zRmhda
Nina Crespo Presents: Book Magic with Tif Marcelo
Nina: I’m so excited to introduce you to Tif Marcelo. I met her at the Romance Writers of America National Conference. She believes in the power of love, great food and coffee. How could I not want to get to know her?
Tif: Thank you so much for having me on your blog, Nina! I love connecting with other authors. It’s really one of the blessings of being one. I’m inspired by the work ethic and passion of others and it keeps me going! So glad to have met you at the RWA National Conference.
Nina: I enjoyed connecting with you too! Thank you for being here. Is there a talisman or something habitual that keeps you motivated or on task with your writing?
Tif: The only real habitual thing about me is that I get up early to write—usually around 5 am. Though not a hundred percent successful in getting all the work done, I’ve attributed most of progress on my first series to this stolen time. After my 5 am sessions, I’m ready by the time everybody else in my family is up, and it kind of sets me up for a productive day! With that said, I am a planner nerd! I look at my daily to-do list often, a constant reminder of what I need to get done, and what I need to prioritize.
Nina: What is your favorite food or beverage reward while writing or for finishing a book?
Tif: Coffee. Coffee. And Coffee. I like mine without sugar and with a little bit of coconut milk. I also love crunchy, savory snacks: raw almonds, popcorn, tortilla chips etc.
Nina: How do romance novels bring magic to the world?
Tif: Ah! It’s my belief that romance novels open the realm of possibility of love, that it’s attainable for everyone. Because the point of it is to bring people together to end in a happily ever after, romance reminds people that dreams—whatever they may be—can come true. Hope can be seen through the characters and their story arc, while they strive to meet their love interest in the middle. Romance plot and obstacles show that struggles in life are inevitable, though not impossible. Since love is truly what brings people together, romance, I believe, is literature for everyone.
About the Book
When an entrepreneur and an Army reservist end up in their own reality show fauxmance, they have to decide whether their love exists just for the cameras…or if it’s for real in this warmhearted romance, perfect for foodies and wine lovers!
Bryn Aquino, the former manager of a Filipino restaurant, knows the value of hard work. With a shiny new MBA in tow and an investor, she’s ready to start her own business: a culinary retreat where visitors can relax, cook, and enjoy life’s simple pleasures. Dubbed Paraiso Retreats, she leases the childhood home of army reservist Mitchell Dunford—who returned from Afghanistan to revive his family’s vineyard—but finds herself in a bind when her investor pulls out of the business.
When the retreat catches an internet live stream producer’s eye through social media channels, Bryn is offered the opportunity of a lifetime—to document her journey in exchange for a hefty paycheck. Excited, Bryn happily agrees to the arrangement…only to find out that she’s going to have to fake an onscreen romance with her indifferent landlord in order to keep her audience interested.
As Mitchell and Bryn put on a show for the cameras, they find their romance isn’t hard to fake. They’ve got more in common under their bluster, banter, and doubts. As their relationship heats up and the cameras keep rolling, the line between show and reality blurs. And when the pressures of family, business, and the audience stack against them, will their romance survive internet stardom? Or was it just for show?
Excerpt
BRYN
It’s only when the lights of the vans disappear that the muscles in my body relax, but just for a moment, because the gravity of what I signed up for descends like dusk. Starting Monday, my home and my words will be transmitted to the rest of the world.
Shit. What have I done?
The sound of gravel crunching from behind makes me turn. It’s Mitchell, walking down the path. He’s in cargo hiking pants and a thin forest-green fleece jacket. His head’s covered with a beanie.
My heart beat quickens at this fine specimen of a man. I hate to admit it even to myself, because I don’t want to let it show on my face. There’s such a short distance from my brain to my mouth and my expressions, and no filter exists.
Or so I’ve been told. To admit he is droolworthy would serve no purpose. As his tenant, I can only show him my professional persona, just as customers saw me as True North’s manager: fair, firm.
And I bet that he’s firm, in more places than one. My eyes travel the length of his perfectly proportioned body, broad shoulders, pulled back with pride. We’ve kept out of each other’s way the last few days, but I’ve watched his daily work with the vines.
He’s made for a good view in the morning.
“Ms. Aquino.” He addresses me all businesslike. So I paste on my equally flat poker face and pull my brain from the gutter.
“Mr. Dunford. Let me guess, you were watching me and didn’t like how I was standing here admiring the trees.”
“Someone’s got to keep you in check.” He pauses. “I’m here because we need to set some parking rules. You can’t allow your guests to park on Dunford’s main driveway. That’s what the meadow is for. Parking on the driveway keeps from any other vehicle from coming up and down the hill safely. So guess whose truck is parked at the bottom? Yep. Mine.”
“Crap, I’m sorry. It won’t happen again.” My answer is sincere, but I falter. Yes, yes it might happen again. Or it will, because Monday the camera crew will be here, along with the contractors and . . . “Actually, Mitchell, that’s something we need to talk about.”
About the Author
Tif believes in and writes about heart-eyes romance, the strength of families, and the endurance of friendship. A veteran Army Nurse with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a Master of Public Administration, she is a craft enthusiast, food-lover and the occasional half-marathon runner. As a military spouse, she has moved nine times, and this adventure shows in some of her free-spirited characters. Tif currently lives in the DC area with her own real life military hero and four children.
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