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I’m a big sucker for dance scenes, confrontations in intimate spaces (hello, wine cellar!) and incredible travel destinations. Bringing them all together in Adrian and Everleigh’s romance was a dream come true! HIS BILLION-DOLLAR TAKEOVER TEMPTATION is my first book for Harlequin Presents and the first of my Infamous Cabrera Brothers trilogy. It released in June and I’m still pinching myself! I loved writing not only the developing love story between cold Adrian and sweet Everleigh, but it was a treat being able to dive into locales like Granada, Spain. The architecture, the history, the food, all of it helped me bring Adrian and Everleigh’s story alive.
And the romance doesn’t stop there! Adrian’s brother, Alejandro, is about to meet his match in PROOF OF THEIR ONE HOT NIGHT, coming out September 28th, and baby brother Antonio will finally find his happily ever after in the spring of 2022.
I love connecting with readers online. You can find me on Facebook and Twitter at @GraysonRomance, and on Instagram at @emmygrayson_scarlettclarke. Happy reading, and have a wonderful autumn!
Love, Emmy
FUN FACTS!!!
The entire trilogy started off based on a Twitter contest run by Harlequin Presents.
The character of Leia, the hotel clerk, is a nod to Princess Leia Organa and the actress who played the feistiest princess in the galaxy, Carrie Fisher.
The original draft included a failed assassination attempt on Everleigh’s life, which is why Adrian whisked her away to Spain. Amazing how many changes a story goes through!
A friend of mine took me on a shopping trip to Costco and we taste tested various wines to include in the book; my favorite research so far!
A stewardess on Adrian’s plane buckles Everleigh’s seatbelt for her, a homage to a scene in the remake of SABRINA with Harrison Ford. It was my mom’s favorite romantic comedy when I was growing up, and we would watch it over and over again. I always thought she named our dog Linus after the Peanuts character from Charlie Brown, but she actually named the dog after Harrison Ford’s character!
Giveaway
Emmy is giving away a $10 Powell’s Books virtual gift card and a signed copy of HIS BILLION-DOLLAR TAKEOVER TEMPTATION! Follow her on social media and mention Maryse’s Book Blog for a chance to win! The winner will be announced on Monday, September 27th.
Excerpt for HIS BILLION-DOLLAR TAKEOVER TEMPTATION
The husky, feminine voice slid over his senses and sent a flash of heat over his skin. He took another deliberate sip of his wine before turning his attention to the second woman who had invaded his space this evening.
Her.
The blonde woman he’d locked eyes with before Alejandro’s arrival now stood before him. The neckline of her dark blue gown plunged down in a V to the silver ribbon wrapped around her slender waist. From there the dress flowed into a long, billowing skirt that reminded Adrian of the waters of the Mediterranean before a storm.
His eyes drifted back up to her face in a slow, deliberate perusal. Lush, silver-blonde curls enhanced her delicate features. Violet eyes stared back at him, her caramel-colored lips set in a firm line.
“Yes,” he finally responded, his voice cool. Showing that despite the unusually intense affect she had on him, he was still in control.
She stepped forward and held out her hand, bare except for a simple silver band on her wrist. Adrian grasped her fingers, pleasantly surprised by her firm grip.
“My name is Everleigh Bradford. Congratulations on your merlot. It’s exquisite.”
“Thank you.” He arched a brow. “While your compliments are appreciated, was it necessary to ignore the ‘Balcony Closed’ sign and invade my privacy?”
Everleigh’s chin came up as her eyes flashed with stubborn fire. “Yes.”
Intriguing. There were plenty of men who would have cringed at the slightest hint of his disapproval. But not this woman. She stood her ground, shoulders thrown back, lips now set in a determined line.
“You’re a busy man, Mr. Cabrera. I need to speak with you on an urgent matter. I’m sorry for breaking the rules, but it was necessary to have a moment alone with you.”
Her honesty was refreshing. A night with someone as bold and beautiful as Everleigh would more than make up for the past few months of celibacy. He infused his smile with sensuality as he raked his gaze up and down her slim form once more, this time letting his appreciation for her body show. “I would greatly enjoy a moment alone with you.”
Everleigh’s cheeks flushed pink. The blush caught Adrian unawares. Was she an innocent or just playing a role? Much as it would disappoint him, she wouldn’t be the first to go to great lengths to catch his attention.
“This has nothing to do with sex, Mr. Cabrera.”
“Adrian.”
Her lips parted. “I…excuse me?”
“Please call me Adrian.”
Those beautifully shaded violet eyes narrowed. “This is a business discussion, Mr. Cabrera. First names are for friends and family.”
“We could become friends, Everleigh.”
What was wrong with him? He never teased a woman like this. He complimented, touched, seduced. But with this woman, he just couldn’t help himself.
Perhaps it was the blush. Yes, that had to be it. The delicate coloring that even now crept down her throat towards the rising slopes of her breasts…
“We will never be friends, Mr. Cabrera,” Everleigh snapped. “I’m here to discuss your proposed purchase of Fox Vineyards.”
Desire fled, replaced by the cold calculation Adrian wielded in every business meeting.
The future was bright. So why did this longing for something more persist? And why had his night with Calandra tilted his world even farther off its axis?
He didn’t know how long he stood there, staring at the spot where she’d disappeared, an uncomfortable ache tugging at his heart. But a sudden whoop, followed by a “Hey, sexy” from a bleary-eyed woman with smudged eyeliner hanging out the window of a passing cab, yanked him out of whatever nostalgic land he’d ventured to and back into reality.
One night. One night of mind-blowing sex. That’s all it was, and that’s all he wanted it to be.
With that final thought, he turned and walked back into the hotel. The clerk stood behind the desk, arms folded and eyes narrowed. Her black-and-gold name tag proclaimed her name to be Leia.
“Sir, we ask that all our guests wear a shirt, pants and shoes in the lobby.”
Teaser from PROOF OF THEIR ONE HOT NIGHT (Book 2 of the Infamous Cabrera Brothers trilogy, releasing September 28th)