The door to the editing room opened and Lena appeared. “Sorry for bothering you two, but I can’t keep myself locked up in here any longer. I’ll be on my merry way and then you two can do whatever it was you were doing.”

“We’re not doing anything this time, Lena. Alex was just about to tell me his choice for spokesperson for Mandolay.” Turning to Alex, she asked, “Do you mind if Lena sticks around for this? She’ll be helping me.”

“Not a problem at all. I’d like to hear her feedback on my idea.”

“Okay. Stop stalling and tell me who this mystery man is.”

“I think the perfect person for this job would be Marco Corrente.”

“No way.” Rose fumed, shaking her head. “I disagree with you on this one. He spells trouble, Alex, and you know it. He has been in and out of rehab so many times I can’t see him being a role model.”

“I can’t believe this. That’s an excellent choice, Alex. You’re right. He’s just perfect. He has the look and not only will it sell to the younger crowd with his comeback tour starting soon, but it will also sell to the men who grew up in the ‘80s,” Lena excitedly said.

“I can’t believe this,” Rose muttered.

“What can’t you believe?” Lena asked.

“That you’re actually going along with Alex on this one.”

“But Corrente is the perfect choice. And besides, he is really sexy.”

“I don’t give a damn about his looks. The man is nothing but trouble. Did you two forget he was arrested for hitting a photographer a few years ago?” Turning to Alex, she argued, “Why him out of all the gorgeous young male models out there?”

“Lena explained it perfectly. I also just found out Corrente is making a comeback album, with all the proceeds going to the Children’s Cancer Hospital Research Foundation. Not only will he be doing us a favor, but we will be doing him a favor by advertising him too.”

“Bullshit. I stand my ground. He is known as the bad boy of rock and roll. I can’t see him fitting into such a sophisticated environment here at Walcott.” Rose stepped back from Alex, folding her arms against her waist.

“I’m sorry, angel, but you really don’t have a say in this.” His words stabbed her. He hesitated for a minute before he continued, “As far as I go and the board of directors, Corrente is the one.”

“Thanks a lot, Alex.” She frowned. “I feel this is going to be a mistake.”

Laughing, Alex walked to the door. “I’ll see you later on.” Turning to Lena, he added, “Let me know if she takes this out on you. Because if she does, she will be in big trouble.” He winked.

As soon as the door closed, Rose turned to Lena. “How could you not back me up on this one?”

“Because I disagree with you. I truly believe Marco is the best marketing strategy for Walcott.”

Sighing, Rose nodded her head in agreement. “I guess you’re right. Maybe I’m being too hard on him before I even meet him. You know the old saying, you shouldn’t believe everything you read in the tabloids. I should at least give him the chance to prove me right.”

“Come on, Rose. People do make positive changes in their lives, and besides, you can’t go into this with that kind of an attitude.”

“Why not?”

“Because then for sure it’s not going to work out. Just leave the dirty work to me. I’m sure Alex has already been in contact with his agent and the papers drawn and signed. If you’d like, he’s doing a charity concert in New York City. We can go, so I can prove to you the man is reformed.”

“Yeah,” Rose sarcastically replied, pacing around the studio. “It’s all part of the act. Look like the good guy, and people will buy his new album. It’s all a marketing farce.”

“I truly hope you’re wrong.”

“You know something, I hope I am too. I promise you I will have an open mind from the beginning to end of this campaign.”

“Now that’s the spirit.” Lena laughed clenching her fist in victory. “This is the Rose we all know and love.”

* * * *

Two days later, Rose and Lena stood in the Ed Sullivan Theater in New York City for Marco’s charity concert for the Children’s Hospital. Marco’s agent, Jason Fox, had sent them two tickets to the concert. When they arrived at the theater, Jason met them at the backstage door and led them into a private room.

Extending his hand, Rose shook it. “Nice to meet you Jason.” She smiled. “Mr. Walcott sends his apologies for not being able to attend tonight. I’m Rose and this is my assistant, Lena. We are the photographers who will be doing the photo shoot.”

“The pleasure is all mine. I’m glad that you were able to attend.” He extended his hand to Lena and she received it smiling.

“Yeah, so am I. I’m looking forward to seeing the show,” Lena said acknowledging him.

“Are you ladies familiar with Marco’s music?” Jason asked loosening his tie and opening the top button of his pale blue dress shirt.

“Vaguely. I’m really not a rock and roller,” Rose replied.

“I love his music,” Lena added. “I grew up with it.”

“You’re going to love this concert. He plays a lot of his older songs and weaves in some of his new ones,” Jason explained, opening up the bottle of Mandolay cologne. “Thank Mr. Walcott for the cologne.”

“I will. I would have to say it was the perfect trade-off. Two stage passes for two bottles of cologne.”

“And my wife thanks you too, for the perfume, creams and palette of colors you sent her.”

“It’s my pleasure,” Rose replied.

When the instrumental music began, Jason walked with them to the door. “The show should be beginning in a few minutes. If you would come with me.”

Rose and Lena followed him through a tunnel and behind the stage where total chaos was going on. The drummer was tapping his sticks against the wall and the two guitarists were making sure they were in tune with each other.

“I wonder where Marco is,” Lena whispered to Rose. “I can’t wait to see him. I remember as a teenager listening to his music.” Laughing, she said, “You know me, I’m a rock and roller.”

“Yes I do. I hear your music while you’re downloading the pictures.”

The lights dimmed and there was a drum roll. “Ladies and gentlemen, we at the Ed Sullivan Theater in New York City would like to thank Marco Corrente and his band for being here tonight. All the proceeds of this show will be donated to the Children’s Cancer Hospital Research Foundation.” Applause. “So without further ado I present you with….Marco Corrente.”

The music started, the curtains rose and Marco stepped forward and started belting out his classic hit, Forbidden Lover. Marco was definitely a looker. He stood tall and slim, clad in tight blue jeans and T-shirt. His light brown hair lay floppily on his shirt collar and his chestnut eyes complimented his hair.

Lena became totally smitten by his charm and had a permanent smile frozen on her face. Rose looked around at the audience in amazement. Ages ranged from young to old and everyone sang along with the songs. She hated to admit it, but she was having a really good time.

“Isn’t this great,” Lena yelled above the music.

“Yes it is. I’ve never been to a rock concert before.”

“You don’t know what you’ve been missing.” Lena squeezed Rose’s arms. “He is hot.”

Rose laughed as she watched Lena getting crazy. By the end of the show, she was also singing along and sorry to see the concert end. Marco came out for two encores, making the audience wild each and every time.

People threw flowers and stuffed animals onto the stage. Marco gathered a few animals and raised them up in the air in victory. “Thank you, thank you very much,” he said. “Your generosity will be greatly appreciated by all the children at the Children’s Cancer Hospital.”

Marco walked off stage and disappeared down the corridor. The lights went on in the theater as the crowd began leaving still cheering.

“Ladies, did you enjoy the show?” Jason asked standing next to Lena.

“I loved it,” Lena giggled. “He was absolutely great. It brought back so many good memories of my teenage years.”

“I thought it was pretty good,” Rose commented. “You must understand I’m not a rocker, so many of the songs I didn’t recognize.”

“I saw you singing along. I think you enjoyed it more than you’re willing to admit,” Lena added, embarrassing Rose.

Coming to the rescue of an uncomfortable conversation, Jason asked, “Would you ladies like to meet Marco?”

“I’d love to,” Lena answered. “I think it would be beneficial to meet before the photo shoot. What do you think, Rose?”

I think I’m going to kill you is what Rose wanted to say. Instead she mumbled, “I think that’s a great idea.”

“Great, follow me.”

They followed Jason down the long corridor. As they approached a door at the end, the music and talking got louder. Jason led them into an overcrowded conference room with people drinking plenty of booze. Rose wanted to leave but knew Lena had no intention of doing so without meeting Marco.

“This is great!” Lena whispered to Rose. “I always wondered what went on after concerts.”

“Apparently a lot of eating and drinking.”

“Come on, let’s go and get ourselves a drink. Somewhere along the way we lost Jason.”

They walked over to the bar and both girls grabbed a bottle of beer. “Come on, loosen up a bit,” Lena warned Rose.

“I’m fine. I just feel a slight bit uncomfortable.”

“Why? Not use to drinking beer out of a bottle,” she joked causing Rose to laugh.

“I’m glad you ladies are enjoying yourself.” Jason held a tall glass of champagne. “Did you help yourself to the buffet?”

“No, thank you. I have an early shoot tomorrow morning. I really should get going,” Rose explained placing her beer bottle on the waiter’s tray.

“Don’t be crazy. And here comes the man of the hour.” Jason took two glasses of champagne from the waitress and handed one to Rose.

Everyone began clapping as Marco stood in the doorway dressed in a black muscle shirt and tight jeans displaying a cocky grin on his long olive colored face.

“He is gorgeous, isn’t he?” Lena asked.

“He’s not bad. Not my type though.”

“I know.” She laughed. “I wouldn’t mind looking at him everyday.”

Rose nudged her. “Are you forgetting you are engaged?”

“Hell no. You can look at the merchandise just as long as you don’t touch it,” she explained.

“You are a very sick lady,” Rose laughed, “and one hundred percent right.”

“And here they come,” Lena whispered, referring to Jason walking over to them with Marco by his side.

“Marco, I’d like to introduce you to Rose and Lena.”

“Nice to meet you, ladies.” Marco nodded.

“You were great,” Lena’s voice trembled. “I have always been a big fan of yours since I was a teenager.”

“Thank you. I’m glad you enjoyed the concert. Can I offer you something?” he asked Lena.

“No, thank you. I have an early photo shoot with Rose tomorrow morning.” Lena pointed to her.

“Rose, nice to meet you,” he said, extending his hand to her.

Rose took a sip of her champagne before shaking his hand. “Same here. You seem to have a nice fan base. I saw young and old singing along with you.”

“It’s a good feeling knowing my music is still alive and has been passed on from parents to children. The music of today leaves so much to be desired. The lyrics, in general, I feel are too violent and sexual for their fan base.”

“I totally agree with you. That’s why I stick to my disco classics.”

“Aw…What’s a glitter chick like you doing at a rock concert?” Marco chuckled.

“I’m here because your agent, Jason Fox, invited us. I’m the photographer and this is my assistant, Lena. We are in charge of the marketing campaign you will be doing for Walcott Cosmetics.”

“Well, I’ll be damned.” Marco rocked on the heels of his black boots. “It’s a pleasure to meet you prior to the shoot. I was hoping I didn’t get stuck with some old decrepit photographer who was trying to make a comeback like me.” He laughed jokingly sliding his hands into his back pockets.

“Oh God, that would have been my luck,” Rose said.

“Mine too,” Lena added getting back into the conversation. “I’m sure this campaign will be beneficial to all of us.”

“Indeed it will be.” He smiled.

“Would you mind if I stopped by the studio to try the cologne, since I am endorsing it.”

“Sure. You can stop by at any time. I’m in the studio from eight o’clock in the morning until sometimes way past ten at night.”

“Great. I’ll see you in a day or two. Now if you would excuse me, I have to get back to my other guests. I’ll see you in a few.”

BUY LINKS

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It is the spring of 1622. Soldiers are arriving at the port of Seville from a gruelling war in the Netherlands. Amongst them Don Iago Borja, heir to the Estates of the Villa Sant’Angelo near the village of Cullera in the province of Valencia in eastern Spain. After a five year absence Iago is anxious to return home.
He is pleased to find his uncle’s ship the Santa Theresa in the harbor and more so when he is told he is sailing for Valencia. As the ship departs, Iago is delighted on discovering his uncle’s beautiful daughter, Elena, is also aboard.
However the scars of battle and a mental conflict of loyalty with his uncle have Iago wondering if love with Elena is possible?
Will Iago’s inner demons prove to be too large an obstacle or will he be able to overcome his feelings of guilt?
Louise Roberts was born in Alexandria, Egypt in August 1951 to British parents by Maltese descent. Following the Suez Crisis in November 1956 her parents were compelled to abandon their assets and home, and leave the country as political refugees. Louise grew up and was educated in London, England and has always held a passion for history and English Literature.
In 1988 she immigrated to Sydney, Australia and presently lives with her family in the northern bushland suburb of Berowra, which is located just south of the Hawkesbury River.


 

Jacob turned and looked out across the harbor. “I guess I knew by about twelve, but I was in denial until I graduated high school. I wouldn’t admit it to anyone. I dated girls all through school. You know, anything to make me look normal.”
“Did you ever have sex with them?” Thomas was shocked at his own bluntness.
Jacob faced him straight on. “No.” A small grin slipped across his lips and Thomas’s insides tingled with the familiar feeling of attraction and lust. “I was known as the ‘safe guy’, so I had a lot of girlfriends, but I had a lot of heartbreaks as well.”
“How did you finally overcome your fear?” Thomas found this extremely interesting. His family had several gay members in it. They were, and had always been, very accepting of him. His first real fear had come when he left for boot camp. His father had talked with him for weeks about things he would have to do and hide.
“I was actually at a party. You know those wonderful drinking games people play? One had me locked in a closet with a guy and a girl. The guy was totally bombed. I was trying to do things with the girl and he suddenly stared rubbing all over me. It was the most erotic thing that had ever occurred in my life…up to that point, of course.” Jacob gave a quick wink and Thomas’s manhood was ready to salute. That’s when I realized if I was going to truly be happy, I had to stop hiding who I was, especially from myself.”
Thomas let the story roll over him as he imagined being in the closet with Jacob.
“Well?”
“What?” Thomas cleared his throat once more and swallowed.
Jacob laughed. “What about you? You ever been with a girl?”
“No. I was never attracted to any.” Thomas thought about all the girls who wanted to date him, but he never felt right about leading them on.
“So who was your first?”
“He was a GI from Bragg. It was a one-night stand deal.”
Jacob cringed. “That had to be rough.”
“Not really. It was all so exciting and new. I was okay with the one-night stand. I had too many things to work out and I didn’t need the pressures of a relationship.” Thomas looked out across the bay again. Night had settled in and the San Diego lights were winking at him. “So now what?”




Amazon 

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Julia will be awarding one complete set of signed Impossible Series paperbacks (US/Canada only) to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

I’m not a damsel in distress. Well, if I’m being honest, I’m a kick-ass FBI agent in distress.

My sexy new partner Reed Miller is determined to protect me, and he insists on staying close. Too close. His allure frightens me almost as much as the sadistic man who is stalking me.

I’m hunting down the most heinous criminal I’ve ever encountered. The man known to us only as The Mentor abducts and tortures women. And now he’s set his sights on me…

Note: Master is the sixth book in the Impossible series, but it can be read as a standalone.

About the Author: Julia Sykes has always kept dark stories tucked away in her mind, so she was thrilled when she discovered that other people actually want to read them. Her books blend romance, suspense, and BDSM.

After spending four years living in England, Julia returned to her Southern homeland. She has recently settled down in North Carolina and spends her time petting her cat-children, reading, and binge watching TV with her husband when not writing. You can usually find Julia in Starbucks with a venti iced caramel latte clutched in her hand.

www.juliasykes.net
www.facebook.com/authorjuliasykes
@juliasykes193
http://www.amazon.com/Julia-Sykes/e/B008WUCGO8
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6469571.Julia_Sykes

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Barnes and Noble

Margherita is devastated. When brothers, Iago, the Sword, and Ferdinando, the Rose, return from a sea voyage, she wants a proposal from one, but instead receives it from the one she didn’t want. She is sent to her sister, Isabella, in Valencia, where she is introduced to yet another potential suitor, Don Ramón de Cabezon. This turn of events upsets Margherita’s brother Miguel, who comes to take her back to Cullera.  Brother and suitor come to blows. While one comes out the winner, the other meets his demise.
Iago and Ferdinando’s quest to find justice for the deceased leads to sibling rivalry between the two. Who will come out the winner in a duel between the two brothers? And more importantly, which one will win Margherita’s heart?



Louise Roberts was born in Alexandria, Egypt in August 1951 to British parents by Maltese descent. Following the Suez Crisis in November 1956 her parents were compelled to abandon their assets and home, and leave the country as political refugees. Louise grew up and was educated in London, England and has always held a passion for history and English Literature.
In 1988 she immigrated to Sydney, Australia and presently lives with her family in the northern bushland suburb of Berowra, which is located just south of the Hawkesbury River.

a Rafflecopter giveaway