Aloha Kim! Thank you for having me back at your blog. I have some exciting news for your readers. Below they will find an excerpt from my newest comedic romance, Heart of Design, the first in my Love, California Style trilogy. Even better news, all three novels will be out by summer 2015! Isn’t the digital world fantastic? You don’t have to wait an entire year for the next installment. Summer is upon us and I think you’ll find Heart of Design is the perfect vacation read with its fast-paced humor and drool-worthy hero you won’t be able to put it down. So, grab your tablet and towel, head to the beach and enjoy!
HEART OF DESIGN
Author: Ellen Butler
Publisher: Crimson Romance
Release Date: July 7, 2014
Genre: Romance, Romantic Comedy
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Barnes and Noble link
Sophie Hartland has recently turned 30, and is five years out from a confidence crushing divorce. She’s sworn off men in favor of making her interior design business a success when her best friend introduces her to LA Heat’s hot, new star, Ian O’Connor. He’s one of Hollywood’s beautiful people, with an Irish accent that makes Sophie’s toes curl. Ian hires her to renovate his home, and at their second meeting he initiates a scorching kiss that knocks her socks off. Even though she would love to drop down and go for it on the funky kitchen floor, Sophie sticks to her guns and enforces her “no dating clients” rule.
The tabloids portray flirtations Ian as Hollywood’s latest playboy who has women falling at his feet, and Sophie refuses to be another notch on his bedpost. But Ian isn’t the type to take no for an answer, and he finds Sophie a refreshing change from the actress wannabes trying hop aboard his new gravy train of success. Using his charm, he tries to persuade Sophie to break the rules.
Can Sophie ignore her traitorous libido and hold Ian off for the next five or six weeks until the renovations are finished? Or will she cave in to his pull on her heartstrings, and end up doing the knicky-knacky on the new velvet sofa? More importantly, can she protect her heart in this game of wills?
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Ellen Butler lives in the Virginia suburbs of Washington, DC, and is new to novel writing. She holds a Master’s Degree in Public Administration and Policy, and her history includes a long list of writing and editing for dry but illuminating professional newsletters, and windy papers on public policy. The leap to novel writing was simply a creative outlet for Ellen’s over active and romantic imagination to run wild.
Heart of Design is her third release in 9 months. You can find her first two releases, Poplar Place and Second Chance Christmas at Amazon and other major eBook retailers. Professionally, she belongs to the Virginia Writer’s Club, the Northern Virginia Writer’s Club, and is a founding member of the Tempting Romance blog. When she’s not writing, Ellen is either, running around after her children, decorating a neighbor’s house, or holed up in her favorite lounge chair reading. Ellen is an admitted chocoholic and confesses to a penchant for shoe shopping. Book club questions for Ellen’s novels can be found on her website.
Website: ellenbutler.net
Twitter: @EButlerBooks
Facebook: link
Blog: temptingromance.blogspot.com
Goodreads: link
Ellen is hosting a Rafflecopter giveaway at this link.
HEART OF DESIGN Design Excerpt:
“Ian O’Connor, meet my good friend Sophia Hartland, designer extraordinaire.”
I blushed at Poppy’s intro and subtly wiped a sweaty hand on my pants before taking his warm, caressing grip.
“It’s lovely to meet you, designer extraordinaire.” He spoke with a slight Irish brogue. He held my hand a moment longer than necessary.
Oh, lord, it wasn’t enough that the looks made my heart speed up; the accent was going to put me over the edge. I could see why Poppy was crushing on this dude. I cleared my throat. You, too, Mr. O’Connor. Poppy’s a big fan of your show. She was telling me all about it.”
“What about Sophia Hartland? Do you watch my show?” He flashed a perfect, white, toothy Hollywood grin.
I shook my head. “No, I don’t care for cop shows.”
That got a rumbly laugh. “Ouch. You’re the quite the foil to an actor’s ego.”
Oh, geez. I grimaced. Twenty seconds with this guy and I’d insulted him. I was completely thrown off my game and saying whatever popped into my head. Generally, I had more tact. I knew better at these swanky parties. I needed to be all smiles and ingratiating to get more clients. Unfortunately, toad-eating didn’t come naturally to me.
“Sorry. What network is it on? I’ll set my DVR to record it. I’m sure I’ll love it.” I glanced around for Poppy to save me from myself.
She must have wandered off or been called away. Suddenly, I was in a crowded room one on one with this handsome Irish thespian, making an utter fool of myself.
“No, no. Don’t apologize. Your first answer was best.” His chuckling died down.
“Umm…listen, Poppy said you liked the art deco theme I put together. So…um…here’s my card.” I thrust the little piece of cardstock at him. Yikes, this was so unusual for me. I never lost my cool over a guy, especially an actor. I mean come on, an actor? What was it was about this dude that was making me behave like a stuttering idiot?
“That’d be grand. I just moved into a new place and figure it needs a lady’s touch, so I could have a fancy party like this.” His Irish accent pulled out the a’s and rolled around in a singsong lilt.
I was relieved to be on a topic where I couldn’t fail. “Sure. I’d love to see your place and work with you to create a luxurious space that makes you feel comfortable and yet is great for entertaining. If you want to give me a call, we can set up an initial consultation. I can see your home, and we can determine your style.”
He smirked. “Not sure I’ve got a style, luv.”
Back on my A-game, I put on my ingratiating business smile. “Oh, everyone has a style. Sometimes it just needs to be developed and refined. Maybe you’re right, and a lady’s touch is just what you need.” I lightly tapped his solid forearm.
The tabloids portray flirtations Ian as Hollywood’s latest playboy who has women falling at his feet, and Sophie refuses to be another notch on his bedpost. But Ian isn’t the type to take no for an answer, and he finds Sophie a refreshing change from the actress wannabes trying hop aboard his new gravy train of success. Using his charm, he tries to persuade Sophie to break the rules.
Can Sophie ignore her traitorous libido and hold Ian off for the next five or six weeks until the renovations are finished? Or will she cave in to his pull on her heartstrings, and end up doing the knicky-knacky on the new velvet sofa? More importantly, can she protect her heart in this game of wills?
Ellen Butler lives in the Virginia suburbs of Washington, DC, and is new to novel writing. She holds a Master’s Degree in Public Administration and Policy, and her history includes a long list of writing and editing for dry but illuminating professional newsletters, and windy papers on public policy. The leap to novel writing was simply a creative outlet for Ellen’s over active and romantic imagination to run wild.
Heart of Design is her third release in 9 months. You can find her first two releases, Poplar Place and Second Chance Christmas at Amazon and other major eBook retailers. Professionally, she belongs to the Virginia Writer’s Club, the Northern Virginia Writer’s Club, and is a founding member of the Tempting Romance blog. When she’s not writing, Ellen is either, running around after her children, decorating a neighbor’s house, or holed up in her favorite lounge chair reading. Ellen is an admitted chocoholic and confesses to a penchant for shoe shopping. Book club questions for Ellen’s novels can be found on her website.
Website: ellenbutler.net
Twitter: @EButlerBooks
Facebook: link
Blog: temptingromance.blogspot.com
Goodreads: link
Ellen is hosting a Rafflecopter giveaway at this link.
HEART OF DESIGN Design Excerpt:
“Ian O’Connor, meet my good friend Sophia Hartland, designer extraordinaire.”
I blushed at Poppy’s intro and subtly wiped a sweaty hand on my pants before taking his warm, caressing grip.
“It’s lovely to meet you, designer extraordinaire.” He spoke with a slight Irish brogue. He held my hand a moment longer than necessary.
Oh, lord, it wasn’t enough that the looks made my heart speed up; the accent was going to put me over the edge. I could see why Poppy was crushing on this dude. I cleared my throat. You, too, Mr. O’Connor. Poppy’s a big fan of your show. She was telling me all about it.”
“What about Sophia Hartland? Do you watch my show?” He flashed a perfect, white, toothy Hollywood grin.
I shook my head. “No, I don’t care for cop shows.”
That got a rumbly laugh. “Ouch. You’re the quite the foil to an actor’s ego.”
Oh, geez. I grimaced. Twenty seconds with this guy and I’d insulted him. I was completely thrown off my game and saying whatever popped into my head. Generally, I had more tact. I knew better at these swanky parties. I needed to be all smiles and ingratiating to get more clients. Unfortunately, toad-eating didn’t come naturally to me.
“Sorry. What network is it on? I’ll set my DVR to record it. I’m sure I’ll love it.” I glanced around for Poppy to save me from myself.
She must have wandered off or been called away. Suddenly, I was in a crowded room one on one with this handsome Irish thespian, making an utter fool of myself.
“No, no. Don’t apologize. Your first answer was best.” His chuckling died down.
“Umm…listen, Poppy said you liked the art deco theme I put together. So…um…here’s my card.” I thrust the little piece of cardstock at him. Yikes, this was so unusual for me. I never lost my cool over a guy, especially an actor. I mean come on, an actor? What was it was about this dude that was making me behave like a stuttering idiot?
“That’d be grand. I just moved into a new place and figure it needs a lady’s touch, so I could have a fancy party like this.” His Irish accent pulled out the a’s and rolled around in a singsong lilt.
I was relieved to be on a topic where I couldn’t fail. “Sure. I’d love to see your place and work with you to create a luxurious space that makes you feel comfortable and yet is great for entertaining. If you want to give me a call, we can set up an initial consultation. I can see your home, and we can determine your style.”
He smirked. “Not sure I’ve got a style, luv.”
Back on my A-game, I put on my ingratiating business smile. “Oh, everyone has a style. Sometimes it just needs to be developed and refined. Maybe you’re right, and a lady’s touch is just what you need.” I lightly tapped his solid forearm.
I have lots of favorites, but Hugh Jackman & Cate Blanchett are great favorites.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on your new release!
ReplyDeleteCongrats this book sound good.
ReplyDeleteCongrats to Ellen on her new release! This sounds like a lot of fun :) I'd have to say that I'm a big fan of Ryan Reynolds and Jennifer Lawrence :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for letting us know about this one!
ReplyDeleteAngelina Jolie
ReplyDeleteI like Jude Law.
ReplyDeleteMarcy Shuler