Welcome to another LoveCats DownUnder Sunday Smooch!
Today we have a Retro Smooch from At The Billionaire's Beck and Call but first...
... the winner of last week's Sunday Smooch Giveaway is Wolfy! Can you please contact stefanie(at)stefanie-london(dot)com to receive your copy of Betting the Bad Boy.
Today's Sunday Smooch is a retro smooch from Rachel Bailey.
Today we have a Retro Smooch from At The Billionaire's Beck and Call but first... ... the winner of last week's Sunday Smooch Giveaway is Wolfy! Can you please contact stefanie(at)stefanie-london(dot)com to receive your copy of Betting the Bad Boy.
Today's Sunday Smooch is a retro smooch from Rachel Bailey.
From Rachel:
At The Billionaire's Beck and Call? was first released in 2010, but has remained one of my favourites. Maybe it's all the chocolate in the scenes since Macy is running a chocolate company...? Yeah, that's probably part of the reason. Oh, and Ryder. Definitely one of my favourite heroes. At the Billionaire's Beck and Call? is set in Australia's fabulous Melbourne and since I'm taking a trip to Melbourne this year, it seemed a good time to revisit Macy and Ryder.
Corporate raider takes contract wife
In a merger tailor-made for the tabloids, tycoon Ryder Bramson sought Macy Ashley's hand in marriage. But his true goal was to buy her father's company—and thereby wrest control of his own conglomerate from his illegitimate brothers. To ensnare Macy in his web of intrigue, Ryder first offered the beautiful businesswoman a job in his start-up. Yet slipping the ring on her finger proved more difficult.
Being a brash billionaire's corporate pawn wasn't independent-minded Macy's style. One the other hand, being the focus of this irresistible man's passion just might win her over to his scheme...
[Set up: Ryder is ready to ask Macy if she’ll agree to a marriage of convenience, so he asked her out for drinks and is now seeing her home. But he’s been having a little trouble keeping his mind on the goal.]
Their first date had gone well, all things considered. Now he just needed to garner an invitation to her apartment and outline his offer and its merits.
Three steps into the silent foyer, Macy turned on the marble floor and faced him. “I only have to go up that elevator. You’ve seen me home.” She moistened her lips and he couldn’t have dragged his gaze away with a gun to his head. Her scent, something exotic, surrounded him.
She was so damn beautiful he had to replay her words in his head to get her meaning. Was it a good thing or bad that the woman he wanted to marry made his body overheat and frazzled his brain?
“Invite me up,” he said.
She shivered almost imperceptibly, but then arched one eyebrow, as if in control. “Why would I do that?”
A slow smile spread across his face. Her veneer of control called to him, compelled him to move closer. He could see her writhing in his bed, in his arms, under him, all thoughts of control long gone.
His voice, when he found it, was rough. “There’s something I want to talk to you about.”
Macy glanced at his mouth then met his eyes. “I don’t think talking’s what you have in mind.”
He reached and found her fingers with his, holding them at his side in the lightest of clasps. “Sure, just because I want to talk doesn’t mean I’m not aching to touch you.” To kiss you. To taste you.
Her pupils dilated to almost cover her hazel irises but she didn’t move.
He leaned over and brushed his lips lightly across hers, meaning it to be no more than a peck, a brief demonstration of his words. He began to pull away but couldn’t help gently touching her mouth again. Those lips had been on his mind for twelve hours straight. Just one more touch...
Her mouth yielded, opened to him, and he needed no second invitation for something he’d been wanting to do since she’d arrived at the bar. As he deepened the kiss, he moved forward, closing the distance but not pressing against her – not yet – the bulk of his coat ensuring a respectable distance. Her tongue lightly touched his, a caress sweeter than he’d even imagined.
Drunk on her exotic scent, he lifted his hands to cup her face, finding her cheeks were like silk under his palms. He felt her hands on his shoulders, lightly, then more assured as they traveled an exquisite path to his neck before her fingers tangled in his hair. He was lost.
At The Billionaire's Beck and Call? was originally released in Australia in Nov 2010. Ryder’s half-brother, Seth Kentrell had his story in Million-Dollar Amnesia Scandal in March 2011. And the third brother, JT Hartley’s book Return of the Secret Heir was released in October 2012.
You can still buy At The Billionaire's Beck and Call? from iBooks, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other retailers.
At The Billionaire's Beck and Call? is set mainly in Melbourne. I'm planning a trip there this year, so I' thinking about the city a lot. To be in the draw for a copy of At The Billionaire's Beck and Call? just leave a comment, and tell me if you’ve ever been to Melbourne (and if you have, do you have any suggestions for places to see?). If you win and you already have this book, you can choose another book from Rachel’s backlist.
Smooch Graphic by WebWeaver
At The Billionaire's Beck and Call? was first released in 2010, but has remained one of my favourites. Maybe it's all the chocolate in the scenes since Macy is running a chocolate company...? Yeah, that's probably part of the reason. Oh, and Ryder. Definitely one of my favourite heroes. At the Billionaire's Beck and Call? is set in Australia's fabulous Melbourne and since I'm taking a trip to Melbourne this year, it seemed a good time to revisit Macy and Ryder.
In a merger tailor-made for the tabloids, tycoon Ryder Bramson sought Macy Ashley's hand in marriage. But his true goal was to buy her father's company—and thereby wrest control of his own conglomerate from his illegitimate brothers. To ensnare Macy in his web of intrigue, Ryder first offered the beautiful businesswoman a job in his start-up. Yet slipping the ring on her finger proved more difficult.
Being a brash billionaire's corporate pawn wasn't independent-minded Macy's style. One the other hand, being the focus of this irresistible man's passion just might win her over to his scheme...
[Set up: Ryder is ready to ask Macy if she’ll agree to a marriage of convenience, so he asked her out for drinks and is now seeing her home. But he’s been having a little trouble keeping his mind on the goal.]
Their first date had gone well, all things considered. Now he just needed to garner an invitation to her apartment and outline his offer and its merits.
Three steps into the silent foyer, Macy turned on the marble floor and faced him. “I only have to go up that elevator. You’ve seen me home.” She moistened her lips and he couldn’t have dragged his gaze away with a gun to his head. Her scent, something exotic, surrounded him.
She was so damn beautiful he had to replay her words in his head to get her meaning. Was it a good thing or bad that the woman he wanted to marry made his body overheat and frazzled his brain?
“Invite me up,” he said.
She shivered almost imperceptibly, but then arched one eyebrow, as if in control. “Why would I do that?”
A slow smile spread across his face. Her veneer of control called to him, compelled him to move closer. He could see her writhing in his bed, in his arms, under him, all thoughts of control long gone.
His voice, when he found it, was rough. “There’s something I want to talk to you about.”
Macy glanced at his mouth then met his eyes. “I don’t think talking’s what you have in mind.”
He reached and found her fingers with his, holding them at his side in the lightest of clasps. “Sure, just because I want to talk doesn’t mean I’m not aching to touch you.” To kiss you. To taste you.
Her pupils dilated to almost cover her hazel irises but she didn’t move.
He leaned over and brushed his lips lightly across hers, meaning it to be no more than a peck, a brief demonstration of his words. He began to pull away but couldn’t help gently touching her mouth again. Those lips had been on his mind for twelve hours straight. Just one more touch...
Her mouth yielded, opened to him, and he needed no second invitation for something he’d been wanting to do since she’d arrived at the bar. As he deepened the kiss, he moved forward, closing the distance but not pressing against her – not yet – the bulk of his coat ensuring a respectable distance. Her tongue lightly touched his, a caress sweeter than he’d even imagined.
Drunk on her exotic scent, he lifted his hands to cup her face, finding her cheeks were like silk under his palms. He felt her hands on his shoulders, lightly, then more assured as they traveled an exquisite path to his neck before her fingers tangled in his hair. He was lost.
You can still buy At The Billionaire's Beck and Call? from iBooks, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other retailers.
At The Billionaire's Beck and Call? is set mainly in Melbourne. I'm planning a trip there this year, so I' thinking about the city a lot. To be in the draw for a copy of At The Billionaire's Beck and Call? just leave a comment, and tell me if you’ve ever been to Melbourne (and if you have, do you have any suggestions for places to see?). If you win and you already have this book, you can choose another book from Rachel’s backlist.
Come back next Sunday, when the winner of today's giveaway will be announced and a smooch from Kandy Shepherd will be posted!
Smooch Graphic by WebWeaver
Hi Rachel
ReplyDeleteWow what a smooch I haven't read this one I must rectify that asap 😀
Ihave been to Melbourne a couple of times the last time back in March for ARRC2017 and we went to Zumbio for high tea was fabulous and we did a cruise on a tram like little boat on the river/harbour and had fish and chips on there was fab
Have Fun
Helen
Oh, Zumbo! That's a fabulous idea, thanks, Helen!
DeleteHi Rachel
ReplyDeleteWow what a smooch I haven't read this one I must rectify that asap 😀
Ihave been to Melbourne a couple of times the last time back in March for ARRC2017 and we went to Zumbio for high tea was fabulous and we did a cruise on a tram like little boat on the river/harbour and had fish and chips on there was fab
Have Fun
Helen
What a lovely smooch Rachel! Sounds like a great story too and I love the cover. I really like Melbourne and visit at any opportunity. My most recent was for ARRC2017.
ReplyDeleteA good friend is moving there soon so I expect I'll be keeping my eye out for bargain airfares!
Kandy, it's such a lovely city to visit, isn't it? I'm so looking forward to my trip!
DeleteI have never been to Australia's Melbourne so I can't help you with that but I have been to Florida's Melbourne.
ReplyDeleteI already have At The Billionaire's Beck and Call? and the brothers' books. I am missing No Stranger to Scandal, Countering His Claim and Bidding on Her Boss.
Amanda, I had no idea that there was a Melbourne in Florida! I knew there would be others around the world, but hadn't heard of that one. Very cool that you've been there. :)
DeleteI live about 45 minutes from Melbourne, Florida. the beaches there are lovely and much warmer than the Australia Melbourne!
DeleteYes I have been to Melbourne,on the way to visit family in Victoria. As for sites to visit, I can recommend the train station :-) .
ReplyDeleteKerri, that's a really good suggestion! And I think I'll probably check it out too. :)
DeleteI've never been to Melbourne, but it's definitely on my list of places to visit. I'll be bookmarking the comments of this post for ideas when I do go to Melbourne.
ReplyDeleteI read so much that it would be hard to pick one favourite - however At The Billionaire's Beck and Call is definitely memorable - I agree with you that it's something to do with the chocolate.
I have to check, but I don't think there is any title on your backlist that I don't own. Is that a good or bad thing?
Lyn, Melbourne is a lovely place to visit. Quite a bit further for you to travel than for me, though! You know, I had to do quite a bit of eating chocolate when I wrote that book. Important research. ;)
DeleteI think it's a *very* good thing that you have all my books. Naturally. :) If your name comes out of the hat, I'll send you a surprise book by another LoveCat. :)
Great scene. I lived in Melbourne for two year a long time ago so I was mainly discos and pubs lol. Melbourne is so beautiful, love the South bank, Victorian markets and went to the Aquarium. High tea at the Windsor. Also a night dinner on the tram is supposed to be wonderful. The Zoo just out of Carlton is also good. Always has great musicals shows on. Federation square is also a must. I love Melbourne easy to move around in. One needs a bus/train pass that you put money on which you can buy in Melbourne and the trams in the city I think are free. Going through your books and have the second one. Million dollar Scandal :) And Return of her secret heir
ReplyDeleteThat's such a lovely long list, Jan. Thank you! I've only been 3 or 4 times, and never been to the Victoria Markets - might have to add that one to the list next visit! Interesting that you have the other two in the Bramson Brothers. Those three brothers are still some of my favourites. :)
DeleteFrom ebay and picked them up :)
DeleteLove the smooch thank you.
ReplyDeleteIt's been many years since I visited Melbourne. My sister visited last year and had a marvellous time sight seeing.
Mary, I keep meaning to travel more, but I don't seem to get around to it. This will be a quick visit, but I really do need to do more. Glad your sister had a marvelous time!
DeleteGorgeous smooch, Rach! I loved this book. Happy sighs. :-)
ReplyDeleteI love Melbourne too, but I don't know it well enough to give you any ideas of what you should do. I found ambling along the Southbank rather delightful. And if you feel like heading further afield to Yarra Glen there's an amazing Chocaleterie that I can personally vouch for. :-)
Actually, ambling along Southbank does sound quite delightful. I probably won't go outside the CBD this time, but it's always good to have Chocoaleterie recommendations up one's sleeve... :)
DeleteLove this smooch, Rachel.
ReplyDeleteI used to live in Melbourne and so loved it. We lived by the bay and it was gorgeous. Lots of bike riding down the Bay and back. I didn't even might the weather - I love the cold.
Jennifer, after this last Qld winter I was flirting with the idea of moving south before the next summer hit and thinking that cold is better than hot. Of course, now the winter is starting to bite I'm thinking I don't want to live anywhere that's colder than this! :)
DeleteGreetings to the Queen of the Smooches! What a kiss! Sweet and hot.
ReplyDeleteNever been to Melbourne. But someday....
Aw, that's such a sweet thing to say, Laura. :)
DeleteYou know, I have a list of places I keep thinking "some day" about too. Maybe I should start a bucket list - not one in my head, but an actual list on paper to see if that helps... :)
I haven't read this book or it's partners. I have an amazon gift card, so guess i will be buying them for the kindle!
ReplyDeleteMelbourne is on my bucket list. I got hooked on Offspring a couple years ago and loved some of the funky neighborhoods they had. (and I loved Nina and Patrick's house. And if I visit and happen to run in to Lachy Hulme, so much the better. he is so funny on offspring and a good dramatic actor as well.
Laurie, besides a few random episodes, I didn't watch Offspring. My watching habits always depend so much on what else I'm already watching and whether I have room for a new show or not. Because of that, I often find myself catching up later and doing a great big binge!
DeleteI haven't read any of the books mention but will be getting them on my kindle------lyn W
ReplyDeleteLyn, it's so hard to keep up with all the releases, isn't it? I miss the releases of books I meant to grab all the time.
DeleteWhat sensual smooch!! I love that series, especially the amnesia story. So good :D
ReplyDeleteAhh Melbourne. If you want recs ask me, but be prepared for a very long email. It's such a wonderful city, and I'm so excited to be heading back to visit family there in August. So much great food, art and architecture to explore.
Definitely go to the NGV if you're an art lover, they have a regular collection as well as limited showings that turn over every few months. Or see the ballet! For drinks try Madame Brussels (super quirky and fun), New Gold Mountain (also quirky but a little more intimate) or Pony Fish Island (it's a bar under a bridge over the river - so Melbourne).
Thanks for those suggestions! NGV is already on the list (in fact, the Van Gogh exhibition is the reason for the visit). No drinks this visit - there will be an underager with us. But you're right - so much food and good stuff to explore!
Delete