by Krystal Shannan
Genres: Contemporary Romance, Erotic Romance, Romantic Suspense
Categories: Action, Interracial/Multicultural
Publisher: Decadent Publishing
Release Date: December 7, 2012
Heat Level: Sizzling
Word Count: 13,000
Blurb:
For most of her adult life, bodyguards have shadowed Ksenia Sharanov, daughter of a Russian mobster. Her one serious relationship left her brokenhearted when she learned he only sought her father’s power and money.
A ski vacation with her college roommates ends on a terrifying note. Her father’s enemies have been following her more closely than anyone could have anticipated. The mistake will cost a life…but will it cost her heart? Or will she find love in the arms of a complete stranger?
Matt O’Reilly, a retired Marine, generally keeps to himself. Working as a deputy in a small country sheriff’s office, provides just enough seclusion for him to cut himself off from his family’s pity and the heartache of losing his wife. He never thought love would be in the books for him again. Will the sudden arrival of a spunky dark-haired Russian beauty change his mind?
Warning: This title is intended for readers over the age of 18 as it contains explicit sex scenes and/or situations and adult language which may be considered offensive to some readers.
Excerpt:
Too much vodka.
Ksenia Sharanov groaned and rolled over on the downy comforter covering the huge king-sized bed in her room. Last night had turned into a lopsided game of “I’ve never.” Stupid game. Her roomies, Kate, Maria, and Patti quickly figured out she’d never done a lot of things and turned the game on her. Morning was not a close friend, and a pounding headache was helping her greet the rising sun.
Usually, she spent her whole winter break with her dad, but he’d had some last minute business to deal with. No need to ask what business dared interrupt their winter holiday. The daughter of a Russian mobster just nodded and moved on with life. And she always did. Top of her class in computer science and engineering at NYU, Ksenia kept as much distance as possible between herself and Papa’s business. Even so, he’d still assigned a trusted friend, Yuri Borodin, as a permanent bodyguard. Yuri wasn’t so bad though. He gave her space when needed, and she’d barely noticed him around the lodge. Her roommates didn’t seem to care either. He was her driver as well as her bodyguard, making him a very familiar face.
Ksenia sat up, stretching her arms above her head until the joints popped. She slid out of bed, walked to the window, and pulled back the curtains. The snow-covered mountains around the Denver ski lodge were breathtaking. The morning sun reflected through the fluffy white clouds, creating long rays of light.
A knock at the door made her turn.
“Sen? Are you awake?”
“Coming, Patti.” She left the scenic view to open her bedroom door.
Patti, one of Ksenia’s three college roommates, strolled into the suite—petite, blonde, and a live-wire business marketing major.
Ksenia laughed. “Why are you so perky? You know we have to leave today.”
“I know.” Patti waved a dismissive hand. “You know that cute banker, Bryan, flirted with me all week. He asked for my number this morning.” Squealing commenced and Ksenia winced at the high pitch. She loved Patti to death, but the girl had a voice like a strangled toy poodle when excited.
“You’ve already been downstairs?” Ksenia yawned.
“I wanted to see Bryan one last time before we left. We ate breakfast together. You
know, if you don’t hurry you will miss breakfast. It’s ten o’clock already…. When is the limo picking us up for the airport?”
“Oh my God, Patti. Slow down. I haven’t had my coffee yet.”
Guest Post:
Thank you so much for having me here today! I’m so excited to be touring for A Very Russian Christmas.
Let’s talk about inspiration. This story for me started with one of my favorite characters on the TV show LOST GIRL, Kenzie. I love Kenzie from the show and the actress that plays her is named Ksenia –voila! How my heroine got her name.
I adore the quirky character she plays on the television show and her uber-confidence. Even though MY Ksenia isn’t exactly the same as the television version, I have to say she inspired mine. I think my Ksenia is fun and quirky from her colorful dialogue to her bright neon underwear. The hero certainly thinks so ;-)
For me, most stories start with a name. I can’t write if I don’t know who they are. My Ksenia shared her struggles and frustrations with me (I know, I know. I hear voices….LOL…at least I don’t see ‘dead people’…that would be scary).
Then came Matt. He had to be tough enough to handle the sticky situation following her around, plus he needed to need someone like her to show him it was okay to love again. I honestly don’t know where his name came from, it just sort of showed up and felt right. Once I had his name we were off to the races! Or, in their case…of to the isolated cabin in the middle of a snowstorm! Need I say more?
Let’s talk about inspiration. This story for me started with one of my favorite characters on the TV show LOST GIRL, Kenzie. I love Kenzie from the show and the actress that plays her is named Ksenia –voila! How my heroine got her name.
I adore the quirky character she plays on the television show and her uber-confidence. Even though MY Ksenia isn’t exactly the same as the television version, I have to say she inspired mine. I think my Ksenia is fun and quirky from her colorful dialogue to her bright neon underwear. The hero certainly thinks so ;-)
For me, most stories start with a name. I can’t write if I don’t know who they are. My Ksenia shared her struggles and frustrations with me (I know, I know. I hear voices….LOL…at least I don’t see ‘dead people’…that would be scary).
Then came Matt. He had to be tough enough to handle the sticky situation following her around, plus he needed to need someone like her to show him it was okay to love again. I honestly don’t know where his name came from, it just sort of showed up and felt right. Once I had his name we were off to the races! Or, in their case…of to the isolated cabin in the middle of a snowstorm! Need I say more?
And don't forget to follow along on the rest of the tour:
Feb 25: Sharing Links and Wisdom (Guest Post/Review)
Feb 25: Veiled Secrets Reviews (Author Interview)
Feb 27: MsRomanticReads (Guest Post/Review)
Feb 28: Bea's Book Nook (Guest Post)
Feb 28: Rachel Leigh - erotic romance (Author Interview)
Mar 1: Books Books and More Books (Guest Post/Review)
About the Author:
Krystal Shannan lives in Texas with her husband and young daughter. She teaches in the public schools and writes as much as she can in her free time. If any more spare time can be squeezed from her day, she enjoys reading romance in all genres, but especially paranormal. In addition to a doting husband and a spunky daughter, a stubborn Welsh Corgi completes the household, adding hours of entertainment and fun to their lives.
Buy Links:
Amazon
B&N
BookStrand
Decadent Publishing
Smashwords
Goodreads
Connect with Krystal Shannan:
Buy Links:
Amazon
B&N
BookStrand
Decadent Publishing
Smashwords
Goodreads
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