Synopsis

At the age of forty-four, Blaise Blankenship believes her own opportunity for romance has long since passed until she accidentally lands in the lap of a sexy stranger. She and the handsome Latino connect over an afternoon at a local bookstore, sharing their love of erotica. Blaise is swept away by an impetuous, hot, "no last names" night together. But the morning after reveals a truth she can't ignore—or avoid.

Excerpt

His gaze roamed the stacks. "Interesting place. I enjoy book shops, but I've never been here before."

"It's one of my favorite spots. I love to come and browse, just sit and read."

"I read so much for my job, I've gotten out of the habit of reading for enjoyment. I miss it." He pulled a book from the shelf and showed her the spine. Lady Chatterley's Lover. "This is one of my favorites."

Suddenly, it became difficult to breathe. "Yes." She forced the word through her constricted throat. "That's an amazing novel."

Constance Chatterley could only find sexual fulfillment with gamekeeper Oliver Mellors. This man, whoever he was, would make a perfect Mellors.

And she would be Lady Chatterley?

As he stood holding the D.H. Lawrence volume, Blaise imagined his large hands stroking her, caressing her body. She quivered, her panties moistening.

Look away, look away!

Quickly, she redirected her gaze to his face. His lips quirked in a little smile. Oh, God, had he guessed where her thoughts had wandered? "Umm, I take the bus all the time, but I don't think I've ever seen you before."

He nodded. "I usually drive to work and back, but my car's in the shop and I couldn't catch a ride with anyone, so…" He extended his hand. "I'm Guy, by the way."

"Hi, I'm Blaise." When they shook hands, she again flashed to the image of him touching her in more intimate ways.

He replaced Lady Chatterley on the shelf. "I didn't mean to interrupt your reading." He nodded at her book. "Cupid's Delight. I'm not familiar with that one. Any good?"

Blood rushed to her cheeks. Oh Blaise, don't be a baby. She cleared her throat, flustered by the feelings this man brought out in her. "Too early to tell. I haven't started it."

"It sounds intriguing, doesn't it?" His gaze held hers and excitement fizzed through her.

She swallowed hard and nodded. "I think so, too."

With a tilt of his head, Guy indicated the red velvet loveseat wedged into the corner. "Maybe we could sit, read it together."

Her breath hitched, and her heart thumped so hard she'd have been surprised if he couldn't see her blouse flutter. Had this man actually asked to read erotica with her? Yes.

And was she going to agree? Yes!

Author Bio

Nona Raines became hooked on romances when she first picked up "The Flame and the Flower" by Kathleen Woodiwiss (and she's not telling how long ago that was). Romances may have changed since then, but her love for a good love story has not. She's been writing off and on for years, but it was only when she joined the Central New York Romance Writers Association that she finally gained the support and confidence she needed to complete a manuscript.

Nona lives in upstate New York with her many pets and is currently working on her next novel. A former librarian, she enjoys reading books of all genres and discussing them with others. Her books include The Man Series (One Good Man, Take This Man and Her Perfect Man) from The Wild Rose Press and Uncollared from Loose Id. Her transgender romance His Kind of Woman was a GLBT finalist in the 2014 DABWAHA competition sponsored by the Dear Author and Smart Bitches, Trashy Books review blogs.