In the key of love
Joi Lewis’s security firm is vying for a lucrative contract with an international bank. But there’s a glitch she never could have predicted: Marco Alvarez. Years ago, Joi left Marco’s friend at the altar. Now she must prove her trustworthiness to the gorgeous, albeit guarded, man standing between her and success. Soon business meetings give way to jazz-filled evenings that hold the promise of deep, mutual satisfaction.
Can Marco rely on Joi to protect his bank when she hasn’t always followed through on promises in the past? His first instinct is to say no. Yet this isn’t the same naive young woman he knew before. She’s confident and alluring, daring him to open up in ways he never has. But a safety breach and a past secret could destroy everything, unless they’re willing to fight to keep their passionate duet alive.
In that moment, he knew he had to address the attraction crackling between them. If he didn’t speak up, there was no way they’d be able to work together every day. Before he could get his speech off the ground, though, she spoke.
“Mr. Alvarez, I think it’s better if we address this now.”
His brow hitched. “You mean, the attraction between us?”
She nodded, her gaze drifting up to meet his. “You’re a handsome man, and I would be lying if I said I wasn’t attracted to you.”
He could feel the smile curling his lips. “I won’t deny how I feel about you, either.”
“And how is that?”
“Like a schoolboy with a crush.” It was an honest answer, and the best way he could think of to describe the way he felt whenever she entered his space.
She moved in, closing the space between them. A sly smile graced her full lips. “Oh, really.”
“Really.” He raised his hand, letting his knuckle graze the soft skin of her jaw. She trembled, but didn’t back away or reject his touch.
Yay! It’s finally time for the “Latin Lover” of the Queen City Gents to meet his match. I’m so happy that you’ve picked up a copy of A Sultry Love Song, and I’m so excited to share this story with you. As much as I love writing stories set in my home state, in this book, I got to stretch a little bit because the hero and heroine are going to the sunny shores of Costa Rica. Talk about an exotic location—and it just happens to be the home of Marco Alvarez, the story’s hero. He and Joi Lewis share an undeniable attraction, and I hope you’ll enjoy the ride!
Remember, I love hearing from readers, so feel free to contact me via the form on my website, or on social media (I’m KiannaWrites on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest).
All the best,
Kianna
A Sultry Love Song
Kianna Alexander
KIANNA ALEXANDER, like any good Southern belle, wears many hats: loving wife, doting mama, advice-dispensing sister and gabbing girlfriend. She’s a voracious reader, an amateur seamstress and occasional painter in oils. Chocolate, American history, sweet tea and Idris Elba are a few of her favorite things. A native of the Tar Heel State, Kianna still lives there with her husband, two kids and a collection of well-loved vintage ’80s Barbie dolls.
In Loving Memory of My Sweet Grandmother,
Lily Mae Edwards Mckinnon, 1933–2016.
A Sultry Love Song presented some very unique research opportunities for me, in that it allowed me to explore some aspects of Costa Rican culture. It also allowed me time to look briefly into the lives of two jazz saxophone pioneers: Charlie Parker and John Coltrane. Hopefully, these details are woven into the story so seamlessly that you won’t realize it until you’ve finished the book :).
I’d like to thank my husband for allowing me the space and time to write. I’d also like to thank the wonderful ladies of the Destin Divas group, whose talent and insight helped get me over the hump when this story was still in its early stages. I won’t name all twenty-five women but you know who you are and you ladies ROCK! Also, another shout-out to my Council of Queens, and to Beverly Jenkins, who continues to take my calls and dole out the best advice on writing and life. I have some amazing people in my life, who make me feel truly special.
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