BookNirvana 3 is here! Love, Art, and Other Obstacles is on sale (ebook) for just $2.99 through May 29 on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Apple Books. You can also get your copy (not on sale, alas) from Kobo and Google Play.
She’s a free spirit. He’s a one-woman man.
Rejected by her family for her bisexuality, graphic artist Margot DuPont yearns for a life with no fences, no limits, and no family ties. Between college, work at Book Nirvana, and an art competition, she barely has time for her part-time girlfriend, much less a flirtation with her competitor.
Dumped into the foster system at a young age, ceramics artist Elmer Byrne craves a big, loving family of the heart. His artist family almost fills that need, but something is missing…until Margot. But when he offers his heart, her thorny defenses shatter him.
Thrown together in an art competition that could jump-start one artist’s career, but not both, their irresistible attraction forces them to reconsider the meaning of success.
EXCERPT:
Elmer’s gaze zeroed in on hers. Like a sexy, cocky gunslinger in a Western movie, he hooked his thumbs through his belt loops and ambled toward her, brawny shoulders rolling with each step, crooked grin widening as he came nearer—until a gray-haired woman stepped back suddenly, knocking him into the corner of a table. He winced and rubbed his hip as the woman fluttered her hands and apologized. Catching Margot’s eye, he shrugged and flashed a goofy grin.
Points for sense of humor.
Limping slightly, he approached.
“You okay, Elmer?”
“That’s gonna leave a bruise on my ass.” He chuckled. “And a bigger one on my ego.” Taking a wide stance, he gazed at her from beneath half- lowered lids. “So, any chance we could meet for drinks? Ya know, talk about the grant?” He shuffled closer. “Maybe strategize?”
Her eyebrows inched up. “Why would I do that? You’re my competition.”
He dipped his chin, then regarded her through thick, glossy lashes. An expert move. Damn, this guy was good at his game. “Look, I thought we shared a moment at the memorial service. Was I just imagining that?”
Nope, that was real. So was the tingly sensation his nearness provoked, like static electricity dancing across her skin. She clenched her fists, fighting the urge to touch him.
He continued, voice low. “’Cause if that was something, I’d like to explore it. No pressure, just—you know, check it out. But if you’re not interested, I’ll leave you be. Your call.”
Something alarmingly like flame glimmered in his hazel eyes. She jerked her gaze away.
He chuckled and raised his palms. “I swear, I’m not gonna steal your ideas, Margot.”
She scrunched her lips to the side, fighting back a smile.
“Tell you what,” he said. “How about if we have drinks and talk about anything but the competition?”
“Because…why?”
“You’re a real hard-ass, aren’t you?” He rolled his eyes. “Because I like you, Margot.”
“Why?”
He leaned so close their foreheads almost touched, a challenge simmering in his smile. “Have a drink with me and find out.”
If there was one thing she couldn’t resist, it was a challenge. On the other hand, he might not like her so much if he knew about Darcy. Let that be the test, then. Let him prove he wasn’t one of those possessive, controlling guys Darcy warned her about.
“Okay. I will.” She stepped back. “But you should know, I’m sort of seeing someone.”
His thick auburn brows contracted. “Sort of?” “A woman.”
His nostrils flared on a deep inhalation, but he held her gaze. “Is it serious?”
“Not really.” Might as well serve up the truth, raw and ungarnished. Might as well be honest with herself too. “She lives in Berkeley. I only see her every month or two.”
Holding her gaze, he nodded. “Okay then. Thanks for telling me.” The tense lines of his mouth relaxed into a casual grin. “So, drinks?”
Well I’ll be damned. Suppressing a grin of her own, she slapped her card into his palm. “I have classes on Tuesday and Thursday nights.”
“Wednesday?” His hopeful, puppylike expression was so adorable she barely restrained the urge to stroke his glorious, fluffy beard.
“Probably. Text me.” She glanced around for Laurel.
Elmer read aloud from her card. “Buzzy Bee Design.” He fanned himself with it. “You sure give me a buzz.”
Her eyes rolled so hard they ached. Had to ruin the moment with a corny line, didn’t you?
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Here’s an early review of LAOO.
Pretty_Book_Whore Narissa rated it it five stars on Goodreads.
Omg!!! What a phenomenal story!! Margot is torn between two lovers. Yes like the song. Choosing isnt easy because one wants her to be her only and the other wants her and to continue playing the field. Margot is a graphic designer trying to get her foot in the door. Elmer a hunky with a ginger beard you makes pottery is also trying to get his foot in the door. The two have a love story that’s as realistic as they come. This story was so much better than I initially thought. I highly recommend it!!!
I recieved an ARC in exchange for a honest review
