Releasing Today! FIRST DATE by Lynne Roberts (that's me)


POP! POP! POP!

Do you know what that sound is? It's the champagne being uncorked! What did you think I was going to say? ; )

Yes. Today is the day! *happy dance*


Come on in! The champagne is flowing! The chocolate bar is over there. Cool fountain, huh? Did you really think there wouldn't be chocolate at my very first release party? I mean next to coffee, it's my favorite addiction. ; ) In my opinion, chocolate should always flow as freely as champagne.

If you'd rather have a cup of coffee, please help yourself. Plenty of food, too! You really should try the cherries dipped in chocolate or whipped cream. The mini cherry cheesecake is also divine.

Around here somewhere, oh, there he is.


A waiter will take your drink order if you want something other than champagne or coffee. (I knew I should have borrowed that awesome butler everyone is always talking about)

Let's not forget while we're here. : )


The Real Estate market is about to heat up.

When Bret Jacob walks into Jill’s real estate office, she attempts to maintain a professional demeanor, but memories of accidental voyeurism in high school, years of what-if’s, and Bret’s drop-dead sexy grin only serve to ignite her fantasies.

Bret needs a farm for his growing landscape business. When he sees Jill Daniels’ picture in a real estate ad, he can’t believe his eyes: The shy girl from high school has blossomed into a desirable woman. Ten years ago, she didn’t stir his blood and drive away all rational thought; now, he’s fighting the urge to take her in his arms long enough to ask her on a first date.

Today, talented writer and all around wonderful person, Cari Quinn, has me on her blog. I'm going to be talking about the joys and pitfalls of being a first time published author. There is only one first time. Please join me there.

Below is an excerpt of First Date!

Tiffany lowered her voice to a breathy growl, “Is he about six-foot, dark blond hair and...” She sucked air through her teeth, “has a wicked, sexy grin?”

That sounded about right. “Yes.” A flush of heat spread over her body, warming her skin and tightening her nipples into small aching nubs.

“He’s here and, darlin’, that one is yummy. If you don’t go for it, I will.”

Jill shot Tiffany the dirtiest look she could manage. “This is a real estate office, not a bar.”

Her friend only laughed. “All the better. Well, go on. He looks like he might have just what you need.”

Oh, I know he does. Jill stood and smoothed down her skirt, thanking God for Victoria’s Secret and lined bras, then stepped out from behind the partition.

Bret stood inside the door, and she drank him in. His white button-down shirt opened at the neck, accentuating his square jaw and doing nothing to disguise his well-muscled chest. Faded denim wrapped long powerful legs, and she forced her gaze not to linger on the pronounced bulge between them, her mouth filling with saliva at the thought of what lie beneath the denim like a present waiting to be unwrapped. He was tall, muscular and comfortable in his own skin. She’d bet he’d never had an awkward moment in his life. If anything, he looked better than he had in high school.

She blinked, breaking the spell and walked forward, extending her hand. “Good morning.” Her voice quivered a little. “I’m Jill Daniels.”
His hand enfolded hers, his fingers warm and slightly calloused. The contact pebbled her skin, sending shivers rippling over her body.
“I remember you.”
Deep and seductive, his voice caressed her body like a physical touch, sending a jolt of pure need straight to her core. He remembers me? Bret released her hand and Jill rubbed a thumb over her now-tingling palm, her skin awake and yearning for those roughened hands to touch more.

Bret’s brilliant gray-blue eyes were now creased at the corners and golden highlights lightened his sandy brown hair as though he spent a lot of time outdoors.

The slow, sexy smile hadn’t changed. If anything, it had gained potency.

“I’m Bret Jacobs,” he added.

She reminded herself to smile. “I remember you, too.”

“Well, good, I was afraid...” He left the thought unfinished.

Did he honestly think anyone would forget him? And was that a blush? Did he remember the party too? He couldn’t. The image of Bret she occasionally used for her late-night showers filled her mind and a shockwave of desire stole her breath. Oh, God, she should have brought a change of underwear.

Bret smiled and Jill’s heart dropped into her stomach.

“So, are you ready?” he asked.

More than you’ll ever know. “Yes.”



Thank you so much for coming! Don't forget to check out my first ever guest blog over at Cari's blog and next week's contest. I'll be giving away all kinds of goodies!

20 comments:

Cari Quinn said...

Woohoo, Lynne! Just got my copy! Now only to have a few minutes to read... Oh, and I'll take a glass of bubbly too. ;)

Crystal Posey said...

Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee! Purchased and on Sony baby!

Shawna Thomas said...

Cari,

Thank you for stopping by! A glass of bubbly it is. ; )

I'm heading over to the chocolate fountain. On a day like today, I'm saying forget the diet. : )

I hope you like it.

Shawna Thomas said...

Crystal,

Thanks.... Enjoy! And grab some of the cherry cheese cake. I can't eat them all myself. ; )

Catherine Bybee said...

Hear that? It's me, snoopy dancing for ya. Pass the vino, sister. Time to party.

Shawna Thomas said...

Thank you, Catherine. We can snoopy dance together! : )

Unknown said...

Time to pop the bottle of bubbly!

Congrats on the release. Wishing you many sales.

Fallon H.

Shawna Thomas said...

Thank you so much, Fallon!

Savannah Stuart said...

Congrats on your release day and here's to many many sales!! :)

Shawna Thomas said...

Thank you, Savannah!

J.A. Saare / Aline Hunter said...

Awesome, can't wait to read!!!! =D

Julia Phillips Smith said...

So glad I got here in time for the party. Chocolate and coffee...mmm...and your enticing excerpt...hmm...

Shawna Thomas said...

I'm so glad you dropped by,Julie.

Chocolate, romance and coffee: my favorite things. : )

Shawna Thomas said...

Thank you everyone for sharing my first release day with me.

First Date made it to #10 in sales today! Woo hoo!

~Lynne

Jennifer Leeland said...

WOOOOOHOOOOOO!!!!! I'm so excited for you!!!

Anonymous said...

Now at #8, as of 6:57 am on Saturday!!!!!

Congratulations to you, Lynne. You deserve every ounce of success to come your way, and I have a feeling there will be many, many ounces gushing your way! haha

Have some leftover chocolate - if there is any - for me, okay? Since I missed the actual party yesterday. Boo hoo.

Well-deserved, huge kudos to you!!!

Anonymous said...

And I want to publicly compliment you, Lynne, on crafting one of the best last lines I've ever NOT edited!!!

You rock!!

So, ladies, go buy the book, if only to see how a master craftswoman fashions a memorable, satisfying closing sentence. Genius. But if you're impatient (not naming names, CB!) don't skip ahead and read that last line before it's time. *grin*

And, btw, I'm not the only Scarlet editor who appreciates your ability to deliver the final word, Lynne. You're gettin' a reputation, Ms. Pop-Your-Cherry, especially now that we've seen your second story, AFTER HOURS. Way to go, AGAIN!!!

Shawna Thomas said...

Thank you so much, Lori! Yes, I'm beaming.

All that hard work (and several days of fast food dinners) was worth every minute!

I'm beaming, enjoying my moment, and very ready to get on After Hours. ; )

Thanks again!

Lia Slater said...

Love that excerpt! Congrats, Lynne!!

Shawna Thomas said...

Thank you, Lia.