Excerpt, Giveaway, and Tour: This Tangled Thing Called Love

Today I have Marie Astor, author of This Tangled Thing Called Love, visiting The Life and Lies today! Below is an excerpt from her new novel.

Excerpt

The music stopped, and Claire shivered uncomfortably, terrified by her current predicament – what had she been thinking, wondering into some stranger’s apartment? He could have her arrested for trespassing, and that was the least alarming of the possibilities - handsome or not, he could be a serial killer for all she knew, and now, she was stuck there at his mercy.

“I’m Alec, Alec Brunell.” The music lover smiled at her as he held her gaze with his dark brown eyes.

Claire made a mental effort to stop calling the man before her the music lover – his name was Alec, and she knew absolutely nothing about him except the fact that he was inconsiderate enough to blast tango music at eight in the morning on a Saturday, which was why she found herself in his apartment in the first place. That’s right, her visit had a purpose, and now she would make it known. “I’m Claire, Claire Chatfield. I live in the apartment below yours…”

“It is a pleasure to meet you, Claire. Thank you for coming over to welcome me to the building.” Alec reached for her hand, and Claire felt his warm fingers encircle her palm. “Would you like some coffee, Claire? I was about to have mine…” He half-turned to the tiny kitchen.

“No!” Claire heard herself shouting.

“Well if you don’t like coffee, I have some orange juice…” Alec went on, clearly taken aback by her reaction.

Get yourself together, Claire thought as she folded her arms on her chest, pinching her forearm. “Actually, the reason I stopped by is the music.”

“You love tango, huh?” Alec’s gaze travelled along her bathrobe. “It is beautiful…”

“No, I don’t love tango,” Claire snapped – this Alec character sure had his act down pat. Granted, he was a looker, but in Claire’s book that did not give him the right to be so blatant about it – sure, there must be plenty of women hungering for his mouthwatering flesh, but she sure as hell was not one of them – she had a boyfriend, and she had come there for a reason.

About the Book

Twenty-eight-year-old Claire Chatfield has everything a girl could possibly wish for: looks, a promising career at New York’s top architectural firm, and an engagement ring from one of New York’s most eligible heir-bachelors! Life should be a dream, but when Alec Brunell, a sexy tango dancer, moves into the apartment one floor above from Claire’s, he unwittingly awakens Claire’s old insecurities, making her question her life choices. Will Claire brave her fears and allow herself to take a chance on Alec, or will she continue to play it safe?

In order to secure his place as his father’s successor, thirty-three-year-old David Lawson must settle down with a wife befitting the future head of Lawson Enterprises - and who could fit the prerequisite better than the stunningly beautiful and incredibly bright Claire Chatfield? There is just one glitch – David Lawson is in love with another woman – a Hollywood Legend Claudia Block.

A successful tango instructor, Alec Brunell has never lacked for women’s attention, but he finds himself at a loss when faced with his downstairs neighbor, Claire Chatfield. Upon hearing of his occupation, most women swoon with desire, but Claire runs for the door. Still, her iciness only adds fuel to his fire, as Alec is determined to change Claire’s view of him.

Dance Me to the Stars is a love story about finding one’s perfect match - sometimes following one’s heart is as convoluted as learning the steps of tango.

Author

Marie Astor is a die-hard romantic who wholeheartedly believes in true love, which is why she writes in the contemporary romance genre.

Marie is the author of contemporary romance novels Dance Me to the Stars, On the Rim of Love, Lucky Charm, and a short story collection, A Chance Encounter and Other Stories.

Currently, Marie is working on her next novel – a first installment in a romantic suspense series that is scheduled for release in mid-summer of 2012.

If you would like to receive updates about Marie’s book releases and events, please visit Marie’s website at: www.marieastor.com | Facebook | Goodreads | Twitter

Other books

This Tangled Thing Called Love – a contemporary romance about overcoming one’s inhibitions, learning to tango, and finding one’s true match.

Lucky Charm – a humorous contemporary romance about love, luck and friendship.

On the Rim of Love – a contemporary romance about the unexpected power of love.

Dress in a Window – a collection of short stories about love, coincidences, and fate.

 

Giveaway

Marie will be giving away three prizes of custom made jewelry to three randomly drawn commenters during the tour (Continental US only).

Prize #1: Coral necklace sterling silver chandelier coral earrings set

Prize #2 Blue opal sterling silver plated necklace

Prize #3 Sterling silver chandelier earrings with green aventurine, rose quartz and amethyst .

Leave a comment to enter, and comment on other tour stops for a higher chance of winning!