Synopsis:
Penny moves back to Miami to start her a job with a list of things to accomplish.
1. Find a place to live.
2. Avoid her gold-digging mother.
3. Reconnect with old high school friends: her best
friend Sandra, the dramatic Eva, the dark Michael, her half-brother Wyatt, and
her former crush Jay.
Jay may have kept her firmly in the “friend zone”, but
that didn’t stop her from wanting more. Her five friends have stood by her
through some difficult times and she’ll need their help now to accomplish her
first two goals.
As soon as Jay sees Penny, he puts his plan into
motion. His investors need to see him with a stable woman, one who isn’t all
flash and no brains; Penny fits the bill perfectly. There’s just one hitch—he
wants more.
Their pretend date sets off a whirlwind of plots. From
mothers who want to control their children’s lives to the loss of her exciting
new job, Penny’s world turns upside down. She knows she can overcome all
obstacles except one—she’s falling for Jay all over again.
by Victoria Pinder
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: June 2014
Hosted by: Book Enthusiast Promotions
Purchase Links:
Amazon * B&N
Jupiter Garden Press (Print)
Jupiter Garden Press (ebook)
Book Trailer
Excerpt:
Chapter One
Jay Marshall pressed his lips together as he held the phone. His hands curled into a ball then straightened. He stared out his bay windows overlooking the ocean. Another beautiful day on the beaches of South Florida, not that he cared. Sunshine never filled him with joy. The humidity outside suffocated the spirit, but somehow, with this deal, he'd break free.
"Yes, you'll see I mean business, Mr. Danvers. My business plans are long term."
Danvers sucked in his breath, as if he were doubting the sincerity of Jay's words, then told Jay. "And I'll meet your girlfriend. It's always telling with people from Miami. Flashy women and cars do not make good investments on my end."
Jay gritted his teeth and tugged at his free ear, but kept the phone on the other. Miami advertised plastic women on the highway as a special brand. Flashy came with the area code. Instead he nodded his head and told the potential investor, "I understand. See you next week."
He hung up the phone and stared out the window. The brightness showed his reflection and his grim frown. Jay needed to win. His eyes squished together. He’d pay the price for success. He had no other choice.
Jay's mind raced to his technical girlfriend. Eva was the epitome of flashy, beautiful, and fake. She'd been a friend since high school, and two months ago, they¹d ended up dating. On paper the award winning dramatic actress, his money, and their history should be a match. Yet he couldn't imagine his entire life videotaped.
If he walked away from her, there would be no regrets. His investors hoped he had a nice, sweet woman on the side. His cousin and her friend, Penelope, flashed in his head before he dropped the thought.
He pushed his hand on the glass window before he stepped back into the shadows of his office.
Darkness didn¹t suit him either. Nothing stirred inside him anymore, though he craved something. Anything other than boredom from the sticky heat of his life.
His eyes narrowed in on the first words, long term growth.
Long term read to his eyes like a rescue rope. He blinked. Life should be lived with
Chapter One
Jay Marshall pressed his lips together as he held the phone. His hands curled into a ball then straightened. He stared out his bay windows overlooking the ocean. Another beautiful day on the beaches of South Florida, not that he cared. Sunshine never filled him with joy. The humidity outside suffocated the spirit, but somehow, with this deal, he'd break free.
"Yes, you'll see I mean business, Mr. Danvers. My business plans are long term."
Danvers sucked in his breath, as if he were doubting the sincerity of Jay's words, then told Jay. "And I'll meet your girlfriend. It's always telling with people from Miami. Flashy women and cars do not make good investments on my end."
Jay gritted his teeth and tugged at his free ear, but kept the phone on the other. Miami advertised plastic women on the highway as a special brand. Flashy came with the area code. Instead he nodded his head and told the potential investor, "I understand. See you next week."
He hung up the phone and stared out the window. The brightness showed his reflection and his grim frown. Jay needed to win. His eyes squished together. He’d pay the price for success. He had no other choice.
Jay's mind raced to his technical girlfriend. Eva was the epitome of flashy, beautiful, and fake. She'd been a friend since high school, and two months ago, they¹d ended up dating. On paper the award winning dramatic actress, his money, and their history should be a match. Yet he couldn't imagine his entire life videotaped.
If he walked away from her, there would be no regrets. His investors hoped he had a nice, sweet woman on the side. His cousin and her friend, Penelope, flashed in his head before he dropped the thought.
He pushed his hand on the glass window before he stepped back into the shadows of his office.
Darkness didn¹t suit him either. Nothing stirred inside him anymore, though he craved something. Anything other than boredom from the sticky heat of his life.
He
shook his head and poked his head out of his office. His secretary sat there
typing. "Call Eva. Set up an appointment for us to talk today."
With the click of the door knob he rolled up his sleeves. He needed the deal to put his goals in line with his investment portfolio.
With the click of the door knob he rolled up his sleeves. He needed the deal to put his goals in line with his investment portfolio.
His eyes narrowed in on the first words, long term growth.
Long term read to his eyes like a rescue rope. He blinked. Life should be lived with
long term goals to reach. Freedom meant change.
Today, he'd break up with Eva. In his heart, he'd always hoped for a woman that tugged at his heart strings. But hopes didn't earn freedom. He'd prove to himself, and the others, John Jay Marshall came out of the game of life on top.
Today, he'd break up with Eva. In his heart, he'd always hoped for a woman that tugged at his heart strings. But hopes didn't earn freedom. He'd prove to himself, and the others, John Jay Marshall came out of the game of life on top.
Meet the Author:
Victoria Pinder grew up in Irish Catholic Boston before moving to the Miami sun. After realizing she needed change, she became a high school teacher. Teaching is rewarding, but writing is a passion.
She always wrote stories to entertain herself or calm down. Her parents are practical minded people demanding a job, but when she sat down to see what skill she had that matched what she enjoyed doing, writing became so obvious.
Victoria Pinder grew up in Irish Catholic Boston before moving to the Miami sun. After realizing she needed change, she became a high school teacher. Teaching is rewarding, but writing is a passion.
She always wrote stories to entertain herself or calm down. Her parents are practical minded people demanding a job, but when she sat down to see what skill she had that matched what she enjoyed doing, writing became so obvious.
The Zoastra Affair, Chaperoning Paris,
Borrowing the Doctor, and Electing Love will be published from Soul mate
Publishing. Mything the Throne will be published with Double Dragon Ebooks.
Favorite Coffee, Favorite Crush will be published with Jupiter Press.
Now she is represented by Dawn Dowdle of
Blue Ridge Literary Agency.
Also she’s the Vice President of Programs
for the Florida Romance Writers. She’s gone to multiple conferences and intends
to continue. Her website is www.victoriapinder.com.
Member of Florida Romance Writers,
Contemporary Romance, Fantasy, Futuristic and Paranormal chapter of RWA, Celtic
Hearts and Savvy Authors.
My Thoughts:
In case you missed the previous post about this book, I decided to do a two part review when I accidentally signed up with to different promoters. I discovered my folly while I was away and the connection wasn't great. I had already read the book so
I decided to complete my review in to parts. You can read part one here.
The characters were likable (most of them) and they helped to make this read just a little better. :-)
There are a few smaller plots amongst their romance, such as the problems that both main characters are given from there mothers, a secret that Penny has had to keep from her friends concerning another friend, Jay's secret business transactions, trouble with Penny's job, and more.
This was a quick read and it was smoothly paced.
This book had romance, some danger, thugs, mommie dearest contenders, friends, a secret scheme, coffee, and more.
My only complaint was that the ending wasn't a definite HEA. I'm hoping that it will be more fleshed out in the next book.
This book was quite enjoyable and I hope to read Sandra and Wyatt's story!
I received an ecopy in exchange for my honest opinion.
Don't forget to enter the Comment Incentive Giveaway. It is a great chance to win a book you'd like to have! The link can be found at the top of the page.
i really liked your introduction to the character and i was impatient to see what you though about the story.... strangely i'm more attracted to the characters than the plot itself for one^^ perhaps it's because of the unsure HEA i don't know i guess i though it would be a stand alone and now i need i would have to wait until all the series is released before taking a decision^^
ReplyDeletei enjoyed your honesty, thanks!
When I set out to read it, I also thought it was a stand alone. Actually I'm still not sure that it isn't, I am just hopeful that there is more!
DeleteHave a party and have fireworks with friends
ReplyDeleteIt sounds good but I like "finished" stories unless I know for sure that its part of a series. So hopefully theres more to it.
ReplyDeleteAs for new years eve. Its my birthday so I generally do a lunch party thing for that. A few years ago a couple of friends and me decided we'd rather stay in then fight all the crowds. We had a wii competition with shots. Usually I'm really good at wii bowling but with shots on the line if you don't make the spare. I really sucked! But anyways it was a lot of fun.
i love the idea of spending new year eve with friends ( and family) doing special just to our tastes^^
DeleteI agree. I've never liked going out with all those crowds. I'd rather be with a few close friends and family.
DeleteThank you for having me here yesterday! It's Happy For now ending. I hope to continue the series myself.
ReplyDeleteGreat news! I'll certainly read more. :-) Please let us know about any new releases or cover reveals. I'm always happy to spread book news.
Delete