Scarlett Cole is a writer of contemporary romance and a two-time RITA finalist. Her debut, THE STRONGEST STEEL, has already become an Amazon best seller in romantic suspense, was a Best Debut Goodreads Author Finalist 2015, and Authors On The Air Global Radio Network Contemporary Romance Pick of 2015.
When Scarlett isn't writing, she spends her time reading, hoarding mason jars, and working out to off-set an epic sour candy habit. She likes hot men, cold beer, and expensive shoes.
Having travelled the world for work and fun, Scarlett is a citizen of both Britain and Canada. A true city-dweller, she considers Toronto and Manchester home and likes to set her books in vibrant locations such as Miami and Los Angeles.
Thanks so much for having me swing by today. I’m so excited to be here. Thought I’d tell you five fast facts about my personal connections to my newest release, The Purest Hook:
1. Amanda Veitch plays a very important role in the story, but the character is named after two of my closest friends (one person’s first name, the other person’s last name). They made me promise after a night of drinking white wine that I would name a character after them!!
2. Dred Zander’s home is in Toronto, where I spent most of the past two decades. I lived a kilometre north of the Cabbagetown neighbourhood where the band’s home is for a couple of years, so it was nice to write about ‘home’ for a change.
3. It’s rare that I put obvious pieces of me into my characters, but Pixie’s love of musical soundtracks is all me. I love musicals, and orchestral soundtracks. My favorite is Wicked - like Pixie’s.
4. Dred’s choice of ‘double double’ (two sugar, two cream, coffee) from Tim Horton’s is my hangover drink of choice!
5. The now-demolished Bedford Ballroom (which is not a ballroom at all) is mentioned in the story and it was the location of my first ever date with my husband.
Can a love built on secrets survive?Rugged, hot, and rock hard, Dred Zander is exactly the type of man that normally sends Pixie running. Not dreaming about running her hands down his washboard abs...and lower. The lead singer and guitarist for the band Preload embodies trouble behind his quick smile and guarded eyes, and Pixie left trouble behind her years ago along with the name Sarah Jane Travers and the pathetic trailer her mom called home. With her abusive past in her past, she has a new life, a new family at Second Circle, and a dream of opening her own business. She needs capital and time. What she doesn't need is a tempting long-haired rocker or the paparazzi that follow him around.But Dred has other ideas. Pixie's sweet hazel eyes, purple hair and kaleidoscopic tattoo of exotic flowers that swirl up her arm haunt his dreams, and he knows she wants him too. He just has to convince her. But as a juicy exposé threatens to expose their pasts, and a blackmailer terrorizes their present, Pixie and Dred have to decide what really matters and fight like hell to keep it.
Check out the Second Circle Tattoo series:
Pyrotechnics went off all the way around the stage as the crowd screamed and cheered. He hugged each of the guys, then ran off the stage to pull Pixie from Harper and Drea. The break between the end of the act and the encore was approximately four minutes, and he had plans to use them wisely.
Pixie looked at him, her eyes wide in shock as he grabbed her hand.
“Quick,” he said to her, tugging her down the stage steps. There was no way he could make it back to his dressing room in time, so he hurried them along the black curtain that surrounded the stage into a darkened corner. He pushed her gently against the wall, trapping her in his arms.
“Watching you watch me, Pix . . . drove me crazy. You going to let me kiss you?” he begged. “Please.”
Pixie looked at him and put a hand against his cheek. “Yes.”
He slid both hands into her hair and pressed his mouth against hers. Energized from the performance, Dred struggled to rein in the need to kiss her fiercely. When he heard her groan, felt her lift up on her toes to loop her arms around his neck, he was done for. She was more than he’d dreamed of, and he’d dreamed a hell of a fucking lot. And yet none of his half-asleep fantasies could match the emotions currently blazing through him. Her tongue tentatively brushed against his so gently it was almost innocent. Well, as innocent as it could be when what he really wanted to do was take her against this black curtain.
It was fucking heaven.
He slid his hands down her body. Pixie giggled when he gripped her waist to pull her close. Ticklish. He’d have to remember that.
Not that he wanted to, but he needed to get back onstage. Fucking encore. He kissed her one more time, tasted the whiskey he’d given her earlier. The telltale thump of Lennon’s bass drum started to sound. He pulled back, willing his hard-on to take it down a notch before he got back onstage.
“That was quite the kiss,” Pixie said shyly.
He took her hand and led her back to the stage, positioning her right where she had been. It was impossible to resist kissing her again, and he grinned when Trent raised an eyebrow in his direction.
“Agreed. As beginnings go, Pix, it was pretty fucking epic,” he said with a wink, and walked back onto the stage to face the screaming fans.
Up For Grabs:
- 2 $25 Amazon Gift Cards
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Special thanks to Scarlett Cole & Barclay Publicity for sponsoring this tour-wide giveaway.
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Love the name Pixie! This sounds like a really fun story! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteEnjoyed the excerpt.
ReplyDeleteThe Purest Hook sounds fantastic. Thanks for the great excerpt and the chance.
ReplyDeleteTwo of my favorite things. Music and tattoos. I have about 25 tattoos. And I was in a punk band in the 80's. Your books appeal to me greatly, Scarlett. ROCK ON!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a great story. I enjoyed the excerpt.
ReplyDeleteFun facts about the author!
ReplyDeleteI loved that excerpt. Sounds like a good story.
ReplyDeleteLol nice excerpt!
ReplyDeleteThis book sounds fun :)
ReplyDeleteQuestion to the author: How has your environment & upbringing colored your writing?
ReplyDeleteI'm looking forward to reading Dred and Pixie's story. I love stories featuring musicians. I knew one Pixie in HS.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing!
Laurie johns lake at usa dot com
Thank you for the post and giveaway!
ReplyDeleteThis series sounds soooo good!
ReplyDelete