MIA LANSFORD is an own voice and diverse author who writes about the disabled and the person able to love them. She lives with her family and adventurous beagle. When she isn't writing, she's usually learning a new crochet stitch and using said new stitch in her latest project.
It's Gonna Be Love is available for
pre-order now and releases August 17th, 2019.
* * *
It's Gonna Be Love
When Mary White is
passed over for a promotion and quits her job, all she wants is to drown her
bad day in a few glasses of wine at her local bar. But her friend Alec stops
her before she gets dancing-on-the-bar drunk and lends her the shoulder she
really needed. The muscular, solid shoulder she’s been lusting after since
college. And strong, comfortable arms. His support over the next few days
convinces her to pursue her dream of opening a cafĂ©—and a relationship with
Alec, the only man who’s ever seen past her limp.
But Alec Ashbury doesn’t do relationships. Ever since his mother left him and
his brother when they were kids, he’s reluctant to hold anyone back—or get
dumped again. So this thing with Mary can’t last, and she knows that. But when
their casual fling turns into something more and an out-of-state opportunity
comes along, both will have to confront their insecurities and decide if a shot
at love is worth risking a friendship.
* * *
A firm set of hands grabbed her waist. “You sure you want to do this?” Alec’s deep and serious voice questioned her. He stepped closer, close enough for her to smell citrus and woodsy and the man himself.
The desire to spill everything caused Mary to take a deep breath. Instead, she blinked and concentrated on the question. Wait, what did he ask? Shoot, the alcohol was messing with her.
“Maybe,” she said, annoyed her tone sounded unsure even to her ears.
This was not bold and outgoing and…whatever else she was shooting for. This was typical good girl Mary behaving in front of Alec, her best friend and biggest crush.
He chuckled, gruff and sexy, sending a spark of awareness to her lower parts. She had to get it together. Alec wasn’t stupid. He already knew she was somewhere between tipsy and drunk. No sense giving him the newsflash she had more than friendly feelings for him.
“How about we try you sitting next to me with a glass of water?”
She searched his dark coffee eyes for signs of mocking. Amusement sparkled but something else hovered inside she couldn’t make out.
“Why?” she finally asked.
“Because if I call Uber they won’t be pleased with you barfing in the backseat.”
“I don’t barf, Alec. And I’m not ready to go home yet.”
He rubbed a hand over his scruffy jaw, and his intense stare told Mary he was processing her reply. She hated when he did this. It took her back to their years in college. Mary wasn’t fond of lying, but she had no problem withholding information. Alec figured this out. He knew there was more to her skipping social events than just being shy. Eventually, she confided in him that standing in one spot, sitting too long, and finding the right shoes weren’t physically possible for her. He never said anything, but she knew her chances with him were torpedoed.
How could they not be? Alec loved physical activities, especially if it included being outside. He was athletic and full of life while she was a reader, online shopper and—God help her—liked to knit.
“Then tell me what happened,” he replied.
She’d tap her nose to prove she wasn’t drunk yet, but if she missed he’d take her home. Instead she settled for a sweet and small smile. “If I’m not drinking, I’m going in the back room to play a game.”
“You know there’s a reason the darts are behind the bar, right?”
“Yes, I do. Which is why I’m playing eight ball.” Mary slid off her seat, careful not to fall to the floor. She did not need to be that drunk girl tonight. Obviously, the incident from earlier this evening was already stricken from her memory.
“You need someone to play against,” he said calmly.
She hated when he had the upper hand. No matter how many times she tried to avoid his traps, she always fell into them. The only reason he wanted to play was to find out why she was drinking. One of these days his cleverness was going to bite him on the ass. She only hoped that she was around to see it.
“Only if you win.” Ugh. The alcohol was messing with her brain cells. Rather than roll her eyes, she blew out an annoyed breath. If her head weren’t spinning she’d try again. Instead, she settled for, “You know what I mean.”
“Loser tells winner why they needed a drink tonight. Or three,” he murmured and stood.
“Wait. What happened to you?”
“Win the game and I’ll tell you.” He laughed before walking toward the back room and the pool table.
Mary swallowed hard. She could do this. Beat him at a game of eight ball. Bold and outgoing women won at pool all the time.
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/myota116
Website: https://mialansford.weebly.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mia. lansford
Love meeting a new to me author! Book sounds great!
ReplyDeleteHello Marianne,
DeleteThanks for stopping by and your enthusiasm for my debut. It helps with the jitters of being a debut author and putting your first book out there.
Good luck with the giveaway!
Mia
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteAwesome!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by Jenn! I appreciated it.
DeleteMia
Mia - congrats on the debut book. It sounds great! Will have to hunt you up on Facebook too so we can talk crochet sometimes, too. :)
ReplyDeleteHello Jean,
DeleteThanks for stopping by and commenting on my debut. Definitely send a friend request. I’ve been crocheting since I was eight and love it.
Mia, I am always looking for a great romance novel that is different. I am excited to read the rest of the book. Congratulations on your Debut Book!!!!
ReplyDeleteHello Theresa,
DeleteThanks for stopping by and commenting. If you like light and fluffy (think Hallmark movies) my fingers are crossed you’ll enjoy this one too.
Mia
thank you so much for your understanding you don't know how many contests for books i had to skip as they were ebooks mia hugs peggy mia is my granddaughters name!
DeleteI am not entering the contest as I see that it is ebooks and fingers are crippled and can only do print! I love todays blog as it has introduced me to a new author that I have not read and also the books sound so good. Maybe she will be on another day and giveaway a print book for a chance. Thank you so much C.H. for today and Mia I wanted to tell you Congrats on your debut book and I wish you many readers! peggy clayton ptclayton2@aol.com
ReplyDeleteHello Peggy,
DeleteI completely understand problems with fingers and I don’t want that to be the reason you miss out on the giveaway. Please enter and I’ll change the giveaway to print copy. This is my first book so I have no idea how long BN will take to print it but once it’s available i’ll Get it to the winner.
Thanks for stopping by and your interest in my debut.
Mia
Sounds like a great read!! Congratulations on your debut book!
ReplyDeleteThanks Amanda!
DeleteOh I love this one! Don't enter me in the drawing, I'm just here to say hi and to read the excerpt--which is fantastic! Best of luck with your debut. Can't wait to read it!
ReplyDeleteHello Jennifer,
DeleteThank you for stopping by I was afraid I'd be the only one here - which is def my luck. ;)
Mia
sounds interesting
ReplyDeleteHello BN100,
DeleteIt's a friends to lovers trope that takes place in New York but has a small town vibe. Thanks for stopping by and commenting.
Mia