I had been minding my own damn business last night, scarfing down cold pizza and channel surfing, when my phone had rung. I’d been ready to let it go to voicemail when I saw it was my brother. I hit the accept button; I should have let it go to voicemail.
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Also by Sylvie Stewart
The Fix - Carolina Connections Book 1
The Lucky One - Carolina Connections Book 3
The Game - Carolina Connections Book 4
Taunted (Appearing in Tales After Midnight, a Halloween Anthology)
Then Again (The Juniper Court Series)
Each book can be read as a standalone novel.
The Fix:
My life is a friggin’ fairytale—just not the kind any single girl would ever want to star in.
Laney:
Like any good heroine, I have challenges to face. Getting my son to wear pants is one; dealing with my snooze-fest of a job is another. Then there’s the Beast, my freeloading brother who’s worn a permanent dent in the couch at my new place. And no fairytale would be complete without a smoking hot prince, of course. Too bad he’s a complete ass.
My instincts scream at me to steer clear of Nate Murphy. Because, if life has taught me anything, there is no such thing as happily ever after.
Nate:
I may not be a superhero, but I do my best to come to the rescue when I’m needed. And, hey, I just moved halfway across the country after a single phone call from my mom. But being back home and taking on the responsibilities involved makes me a bit cranky at times. Unfortunately, the one time I completely lose my cool is in front of the hottest girl I’ve ever met. I’ve got my work cut out for me if I’m going to fix this. But I will fix this.
I’ll be anything Laney Monroe needs me to be … a superhero, a prince, or just a guy she might take a chance on.
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The Lucky One:
Luck is no lady… in fact, she can be a downright bitch.
Bailey:
Let’s get one thing straight. I am not your typical girl. Sure, I’ve got all the parts, but I’ve been a stubborn, irreverent tomboy since the womb. Despite my Irish blood, bad luck makes a sport of messing with me, especially when it comes to men. But my shields are firmly in place now; nothing can touch me again. Except maybe Jake Beckett. He just might make this tomboy do the girliest thing in the world—fall head over heels in love.
Jake:
I’m a pretty lucky guy. I have a phenomenal family, a career I love, and I’m building a brand-new life back in my hometown. And, not to be a jerk about it, but I do more than all right with the ladies. Everything’s going according to plan—like I said, I’m a lucky guy. That is, until my luck runs out. Until I meet the girl I call “Irish.” Irony can go kiss my ass.
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The Game:
They say opposites attract. Someone needs to tell that to Emerson Scott.
Gavin:
All I ever wanted was to play ball. When an act of sheer stupidity took that dream away, I thought I’d never bounce back. But now I have the opportunity to coach an up-and-coming phenom, and I'm giving it all I've got. The fact that I've been lusting after his smoking-hot sister only sweetens the deal. Emerson may be buttoned up like a school librarian, but I play my best when I’m under pressure … and I always bring the heat.
Emerson:
Never lose focus. Never lose control. Those are the first two rules in my carefully calculated plan for success. Finding myself thrown into the role of guardian for my little brother was not part of that plan. But I can adjust for Jay’s sake; I’m not about to let one change make me lose sight of my goals. Too bad Jay’s hot young baseball coach doesn’t seem to give a fig about my plans. He has one of his own—and it includes me. Gavin Monroe may play like a pro, but that boy will never win this game.
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Then Again:
They say the first step is the hardest one. Even more so when it takes you right off a cliff.
Jenna Watson never saw her divorce coming until the papers smacked her in the face. Left to pick up the pieces and maintain an upbeat front for her daughters, she struggled to make it through the months that followed.
But it’s been two years now, and it’s past time to start again.
Encouraged by Jill, her meddlesome sister, Jenna embarks on a mission to dive back into life. Step one: find a romance-novel-worthy man for a hot summer fling. How hard could it be? But disastrously bad flirting, a failed honky-tonk hookup, and a mix-up with one of Sunview’s finest have Jenna seriously doubting if this is all worth it. Maybe she’s better off leaving the world of love and sex to others—or maybe she’s just looking in the wrong place …
Then Again is part of the groundbreaking Juniper Court Series. Learn more about the books and their authors on our website: www.junipercourtseries.com
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Sylvie Says
Let’s Get Real about The Spark
Hello, my lovely reader! Here’s the part where I get to babble on with no editing and no filter, so gird your loins …
All girded? Great!
I have a confession. I love Fiona. I want her to be my best friend in real life so we can hang out and drink wine and laugh our fool heads off. I want her to move into my house and be a live-in nanny to my kids, but she’ll secretly be there just for me—and to cook, of course, because that shit rarely happens around here. I’m actually sort of pissed that she doesn’t exist in real life. Sigh.
One of the reasons I think Fiona has voices in her head is that she likes to talk so much, she needs someone to converse with when she’s alone. It made perfect sense to me when I was writing her. I adore her potty mouth, wayward thoughts, and heart of freaking platinum! And I especially like the theme of not judging a book by its tiny little cover.
I’ve had wonderful feedback from a lot of you about the book and about Fiona and Mark. Mark is a hard pill to swallow (cough) at first, but when we get into his squishy center we uncover a truly decent guy. And you know I love a good argument, so these two were ripe for that! I was mentally munching on popcorn and watching the two of them fight as I wrote the book.
Having said that, I’ve got to tell you about one of my favorite pieces of feedback from a reviewer who did not want Fiona to come live with her and cook her awesome food. I know, I know, we’re supposed to put our best foot forward, but I’m sharing this anyway, cuz that’s how I roll. It made me laugh so hard because I could TOTALLY see where she was coming from. Allow me to share a snippet of it:
“I can totally see how and why so many people love this book. It is just a personal opinion that Fiona would just not...shut...up. So as odd as this sounds, despite really not liking this book for myself, I would still recommend it for others.”
- Reviewer
LOVE it! Pretty awesome, right? Or is it just me? Anyway …
I know this book took some unexpected turns and got damn serious at times, but it’s better to have all the feels, in my opinion. Like one of the crazy chicks in Steel Magnolias said, laughter through tears is the best (that’s not exactly what she said, but I’m not allowed to quote—whatever!) And, no, I don’t have close personal experience with either childhood cancer or coming from a broken home, but these characters spoke to me and told me their story. It was my job to write it down for you.
What I do have experience with are some of the little things in the book. The go-go boys on Manaconda Monday, for instance (tee tee), and of course all the local haunts here in Greensboro. Awkward wedding toasts, embarrassing the crap out of myself, and fundraisers—oh, for the love, don’t get me started.
Mark’s muscles. Confession time again. I’m not a fan of overly-built guys. I wouldn’t turn down a nice set of abs or some firm biceps, but when the veins start popping out? Uh, no thanks. That said, it’s just who Mark is, and I love b
eing able to poke some fun and him through Fiona. (Side note: My husband just told me I have to turn down the nice set of abs—something about our marriage vows or some bullshit.)
Now for what’s up next. First, you have to read the rest of the novels in the Carolina Connections series. Bailey and Jake are next and they’re irresistible! But I’ve got tons of other stuff coming up too, so you’ll want to sign up for my newsletter and/or join my Facebook group for sure. I make new plans all the time in my little author world and you don’t want to miss anything.
Here’s a short list of what’s coming up this year:
Carolina Connections just got a new makeover and will have two full-length releases (books 5 and 6) and one novella!
A group of authors and I are releasing a boxed set of stories all centered around one royal theme. More info to come on that, but the preorder is up very soon, and it’s only 99 cents!
OH! The Fix is coming out on audiobook this month!
I have a story in a FREE anthology of hot romances coming out this summer. The fabulous Skye Warren is one of the other ten authors in the anthology. What?! Yeah, you heard that right! And my story is about one of the Carolina Connections guys.
A new series is on its way! And, of course, it takes place in North Carolina. It also involves hot dudes and alcohol, but that’s all I can say for now (*wink).
If you’ve read Then Again from the groundbreaking Juniper Court Series, you’ll be happy to know Jill is getting her own book, but that has to wait until 2019.
Something a bit spicier is on it’s way… mwahahaha!
Y’all, that’s a lot of stuff! You guys are amazing, and I’m so incredibly thankful to have you as READERS! There would be no books without you, so thanks from the bottom of my heart!
XOXO,
Sylvie
Bonus Scene
RISE AND SHINE
KELLY
“You’re not leaving the house like that, young lady.”
I turned at the sound of Jake’s voice to see his broad grin directed at me. “Oh, shush.” I ran my hands down the sides of my pencil skirt for the twentieth time since I’d walked from my bedroom. “Do I look okay?”
“You’re a knockout, Mom.” He squeezed my shoulder on his way past me as he headed for the door. I stopped him and forced him stand still while I did my mom thing and looked him over. My boy had turned out damn nice if I did say so myself. Tall, dark and handsome. And I’d bet my last paycheck that he had more than a few female admirers. Not that he talked to me about women—or that it bothered me. Much.
I was beyond pleased that Mark and Fiona had worked things out and found a way to be happy together. Now I just needed Jake to do the same. I was sure there was a girl out there made just for him.
“Look at you, my handsome boy.” I laid it on thick and even pinched his cheeks, causing him to scowl and me to laugh.
He extracted himself from my hold but bent to kiss my cheek before escaping. “I gotta run before you ask to do my hair. Good luck today!”
My nerves jangled at his words. I’d need all the luck I could get. I wasn’t sure how I’d let Fiona convince me this project was a good idea. I often find myself talked into things by that girl before I even realize what I’m agreeing to. I’ve heard Mark say she’s a witch, and I was beginning to think the notion had some merit.
Like it or not, I was heading downtown to the offices of The Schooner Group, an advertising agency based here in Greensboro, to meet with one of the partners about a reception we were catering. Don’t get me wrong, Fiona and I were good at what we did, and we had reliable staff we could hire for events. But this would be our biggest undertaking yet. Laney and Nate’s wedding may have technically been larger, but they’re like family so it doesn’t count.
My phone sounded with a text notification.
Fiona: Stop procrastinating and get your booty on the road!
This witch theory was sounding more and more likely.
Me: I’m grabbing my coffee and will be on the road in five minutes.
Fiona responded with a little film clip of Catwoman cracking a whip. Jake had made coffee already, thank God, so I helped myself to the last of it, using a random travel mug from the cupboard. Then I hurried to the car.
Fifteen minutes later, I spotted Fiona waiting outside a restored brick building on Elm Street. She was draped head to toe in designerwear, as usual, and I didn’t even allow myself to ponder how much money was on her body. My own outfit had come from Marshall’s and I was just fine with that. Any extra money I had would be spent on more important things than clothes and shoes. Although I’d never tell Fiona that for fear she’d expire on the spot.
“I still have five minutes to spare!” I picked up the pace.
As soon as Fiona spied me, her face broke into a grin. “Kelly! Yay! You’re here!” She pulled me into a hug.
I hugged her in return and laughed into her blond hair. “Did you think I wouldn’t show?”
“The thought did occur to me.” We pulled apart and she looked me up and down. “Nice!”
Despite my reservations about expensive clothing, I was pleased she deemed my appearance acceptable. The last thing I wanted was to project a less-than-stellar image to our new clients. With that in mind, I’d paired my best black pencil skirt with a floral-print blouse, black heels, and a layered gold necklace. I even spent extra time on my hair, making sure it behaved.
I hitched my bag up on my shoulder and only then realized I had brought my coffee with me. Was that tacky? I had no idea. “Shoot. What should I do with this?”
Fiona waved absently as she reached for the door to the building. “Nobody will care. It’s not like you’ll be the only one with coffee.”
I shrugged and followed her into the building, letting my eyes take in the space. It was an open concept office with large tables scattered throughout the space and young professionals typing on laptops and leaning over tables talking. The tone of the décor was cheerful and modern with pops of color dotting the space. I noticed two smaller areas toward the back enclosed in glass and figured those must be conference rooms or partner offices.
“David!” I heard Fiona exclaim as a man around fifty with neat silvery-blond hair approached. He smiled broadly at my partner, revealing twin dimples in his unshaven cheeks. Ridiculously, my first thought was to wonder at the nerve of a man his age looking so … cute. Shaking my head at myself, I turned to stand closer to Fiona. At my movement, the man—whom I presumed was David Rossi, a partner at the firm—let his gaze transfer from Fiona to me. And something changed. His eyes, which I noted were a golden shade of brown, seemed to darken, or maybe the color became more saturated. Whatever it was, it had a very odd effect on my lower belly. I felt almost tingly, and the feeling intensified the longer he looked at me.
Fiona cleared her throat, and only then did I realize I’d been standing there mute, like a deer in headlights. “David, this is Kelly Beckett, my partner. Kelly, this is David Rossi.”
David extended his hand and I shook it, feeling the warmth of his touch spread from my hand and up my arm. What was going on? I was acting like a virgin schoolgirl, titillated by a mere handshake from a handsome guy. Ugh. I had to get it together. “It’s lovely to meet you, Mr. Rossi.”
He shook his head and smiled again. “David, please. And the pleasure is mine.” He released my hand, but his eyes lingered. I could feel a blush creep up from my chest and overtake my face. I only hoped my olive skin tone did something to hide it. “Shall we?” David gestured toward the back of the office.
Fiona motioned for him to lead the way, and she was less than subtle as she elbowed me hard in the side while we followed. I gave her a stern sideways glance, but the girl just grinned at me. Mark had his hands full with this one.
We all sat at a table in one of the window-lined rooms, and an assistant poked his head in asking if we wanted coffee. I declined, lifting my mug and setting it on the table in front of me. Then I extracted the contrac
t from my bag and set that down as well. I avoided David’s eyes the entire time. There was no way I could conduct a business meeting with my uterus doing cartwheels every time the man looked at me.
This was all so unusual. Don’t get me wrong. It’s not as if I hadn’t had fantasies and felt flutterings of desire since my marriage. I just never gave them much thought. There were more pressing things to worry about, and in my experience, men were more trouble than they were worth—something I needed to remind myself of at that very moment if I were to finish this meeting without embarrassing myself.
The assistant delivered coffees to David and Fiona, and she began the discussion. “We wanted to give you a chance to tell us about your event in more detail, so we can be sure to set the right tone with the menu.”
David nodded, but I only saw it through my peripheral vision. My attention was focused on a spot about two feet to his left. “Right. Well, we’ve decided on a low-key, local focus, not that we want to dumb down the food, by any means. But we discussed it and think the guests will enjoy a more casual vibe this year. I think we’ll go with the small bites idea you pitched, as well as bringing in the local craft beer.”
I forced myself to be an adult and contribute to the meeting. “Will you want the mini dessert bar or just the savory small bites?” My eyes finally met his again, despite my best efforts. His look was surprisingly soft. Oh.
“Absolutely. Everybody has a sweet tooth, right?” Maybe soft wasn’t the right word. His question was absolutely innocent, but my mind disagreed and redefined his look as sultry. My ears were on fire by this point. Good grief. I lowered my eyes to my papers and took excessive notes.
The Spark (Carolina Connections Book 2) Page 28