Hi everyone! I hope you all are having a fabulous weekend!
Today is a very special day, as my holiday book, The Love You Give, is celebrating its 2-year book birthday! I loved writing this story, because the plot was a bit different from my other stories. I had such a fun time writing this story, especially since it centered around the holidays.
Here is the synopsis for the book:
All She Wanted Was A Diversion…
After walking away from the life she once knew, Kia Collins’ main mission is to live a happy and carefree life. She decides to do that by packing her things and moving to a city where she knows no one and no one knows her. But that all changed when a chance encounter with someone from her past occurred, leaving her wondering if she‘ll ever leave her old life behind. She wants to continue living her new life, that’s why she volunteers the one person who she believes could help do that and possibly more. What she doesn’t know was the plan she created would turn into something magical.
All He Wanted Was A Fling…
All Cane Brooks ever wanted was to have a good time with no strings attached. He doesn’t engage in relationships and never will since he believes they’ll end in disaster; so when he met Kia, he knew she would be the perfect person to pursue a new fling with. Little did he know Kia wasn’t up for any of Cane’s games. When she enlisted him to help her with a crazy situation in her life, he thought it would involve some of his expertise in the sexual nature; little did he know that Kia was going to teach him a thing or two, making him rethink about the choices he has made in his past.
As Kia and Cane come together to help one another, the two soon realize that there is more between them than just devising a plan. But will they be able to push past their issues to see the feelings they have for each other, or will it keep them further apart?
*The Love You Give is a Christmas novella filled with crazy dilemmas, a night of surprises, and a winter wonderland ending that will get you in the holiday and romantic spirit.*
There were a lot of standout scenes in this book, but here is one in which the main characters, Kia and Cane, meet for the first time. The excerpt is from Kia’s POV. Enjoy!
I walked out of the hotel and headed to the first place I saw, which was Hawthorne Diner. I walked in, instantly loving the smell of the burgers and fries that were being served. Although it was still breakfast, I was already craving the meal that many customers were getting.
I sat down at the counter and tried to get the waitress’ attention, but she walked right past me to go to another customer. That’s cool, because I didn’t know what I wanted anyway.
I looked around when I noticed someone coming up to the counter. He was absolutely gorgeous. From the short blonde hair, green eyes, and muscular physique, he was definitely different than what I was usually attracted to, but I couldn’t deny that he was sexy as hell.
“Is this seat taken?” he asked me.
As soon as he spoke, my pussy began to throb. I clutched my thighs together, wondering what the hell was wrong with me.
Get it together, Kia!
“No… no… it’s not taken.”
“Thanks,” he said and sat down.
He flashed a sexy smile, which had me a bit wet. Yeah, something was definitely wrong with me.
“Hey, Cane. What can I get you?” The waitress who I was trying to flag down earlier appeared. I glanced at her, wondering how she was acknowledging him but not me.
“Hey, Stella. I don’t think you got this lovely lady’s order yet, have you?” he asked.
He glanced at me again, which made me a bit shy. “Oh, I guess not. I must didn’t see you sitting there,” she said in a cold tone.
I rolled my eyes, knowing where this was heading. “You saw me perfectly well, Stella,” I said while looking at her name tag, even though the guy mentioned her name.
“Well, what do you want?” she asked in a hostile tone.
“Really, Stella. Do you have to be rude to your new customer?”
“How do you know I’m new?” I asked.
“Believe me, Tyler is sort of a small city and Hawthorne is the place to be. All the locals come here and I pretty much know everyone,” the guy said.
“He’s right,” Stella replied.
I didn’t even acknowledge her since she didn’t with me.
“Well, Stella, let me get the usual and whatever the pretty lady wants, it’s on me,” he said and flashed that smile again, making my pussy throb a second longer.
“Uh, you don’t have to buy my meal. I got it.”
“I assume you do, but I insist.”
Stella rolled her eyes before staring at me. “Well, he’s paying so what’s your order?” “
Aren’t you a ray of sunshine?” I said to Stella.
She groaned and I laughed. I would keep messing with her, but she’d probably spit in my food, so I stopped.
“I’ll have the burger and fries, please. But, I’m paying for it.”
The guy shook his head and already pulled out his money. Stella called out my order as well as his, which was the “Cane Special,” before walking off.
I looked at the guy named Cane with a curious expression. “Is she always like that?”
He laughed. “Ever since I was a kid. She’s not too keen on visitors, so excuse her behavior.”
“I guess,” I mumbled. “So, you got a meal named after you?”
“Not really. It’s just eggs, bacon, and pancakes. I just order it a lot, so they automatically know it’s for me.”
I nodded. “You probably need to go to another place to eat.”
“I love it here. But, anyway, Stella doesn’t represent everyone who lives here. For me, I love to encounter visitors. Where are you from?”
I shifted in my seat, wondering if I should even talk to him. It’s not like I’d see him again. “Houston.”
“Cool. You must be here for business.”
“How so?”
“Because like I said earlier, Tyler is not a big city.”
“Let’s just say I’m here for business and a bit of pleasure.”
He gave me the once over, which made me bite my lip. I was doing too much right now.
“I don’t think I introduced myself. Cane Brooks.” He said and extended his hand out to me.
“Kia Collins,” I said and accepted his handshake.
“I have to admit, you are a beautiful woman. Extremely beautiful. Since you’re new to the city, maybe I can show you around.”
“I prefer not,” I said.
“Why not? I’m sure you don’t know anyone here.”
“I rather keep it that way for now. But, thank you.”
Cane nodded. “Okay, cool.” He got up from his seat and stared at me once more. “I hope you enjoy your meal and maybe we’ll cross paths again.”
“I don’t think we will,” I said.
He leaned closer to me. I took in the intoxicating scent of his cologne. He put his hand behind my chair while lowering his lips to my ear. “Trust me, we will see each other again. I’m counting on it.”
Just hearing how sexy he sounded made me immediately have thoughts I shouldn’t be having. This was a complete stranger and I was literally wet from his damn voice.
You’re a mess, girl.
Don’t I know it.
“Nice to meet you, Kia,” Cane said. He gave me another delectable smile before going to the door, forgetting all about the food he just ordered.
I watched him leave, staring at the fine specimen walking out the door. I slowly turned around to see Stella sitting my meal in front of me. She shook her head, making my attitude change from lustful to annoyed.
“Here’s your burger and fries. I see Cane left without his food again.”
“I guess he does that a lot, huh?”
“He does, but let me give you a word of advice about him.”
“Do I want it?” I asked.
“I think you should take it. I don’t know how long you’re going to stay here, but don’t get involved with him while you’re here. He’s nothing but trouble.”
I smirked. “Trust me, I have my own issues to worry about. I don’t need the extra drama. But, I’m still paying for my order.”
Stella shook her head. “Cane paid for it, so let him. Just enjoy your burger and fries.”
I smiled. “Fine. Thanks.”
Stella nodded and went to the back to grab another order.
I stared at my food, completely taken aback by what Stella just said. But she didn’t have anything to worry about. I was trying to rediscover myself and adding another man to the mix wouldn’t help my dilemma. Right now, I just wanted to focus on getting myself back together.
The Love You Give is available only on Amazon, but two lucky readers will be able to win this Ebook along with a $5.00 Amazon gift card! All you have to do is go to the Contest & Giveway page (https://sheenabinkley.com/contests-giveaways/ ) to enter into the giveaway on Rafflecopter. The contest will end at midnight on Christmas Eve.
Also, the contest given during day 1 of the 12 Days of Christmas is still available. That giveaway is also on the Contest & Giveaway page. That giveaway will also end on Christmas Eve.
Please come back tomorrow as The Love Interviews continue with a new interview with the characters of the Into You series.
Until next time, everyone! 🙂
involved with him while you’re here. He’s nothing but trouble.” I smirked. “Trust me, I have my own issues to worry about. I don’t need the extra drama. But, I’m still paying for my order.” Stella shook her head. “Cane paid for it, so let him. Just enjoy your burger and fries.” I smiled. “Fine. Thanks.” Stella nodded and went to the back to grab another order. I stared at my food, completely taken aback by what Stella just said. But she didn’t have anything to worry about. I was trying to rediscover myself and adding another man to the mix wouldn’t help my dilemma. Right now, I just wanted to focus on getting myself back together.