Introducing: BEHIND THE SCENES OF THE REALTORS! WIN A PRIZE
FIRST! Play this...while you read....kinda sets the scene....bear with me...
I have a series of these "deleted scenes" as part of my upcoming blog tour to celebrate the release of SWEAT EQUITY (book 2) and as the lead up to CLOSING COSTS (book 3).
FIRST I gotta share some early reviews for Sweat Equity:
Melissa @ Sizzling Reviews says:
Sara and Jack burn up the pages of Sweat Equity together and apart as they try to get each other out of their hearts. The sex scenes sizzle and will make you breathless. But it is the push and pull of attraction between Sara and Jack that will drive you up the wall.
Full review here:http://www.sizzlinghotbooks.net/2012/02/sweat-equity-by-liz-crowe.html
And a reader/reviewer for My Book Addiction who just happens to be a REALTOR says: This is no fairy tale love story where a brief conflict is simply solved and everyone's lives proceed to the happily ever after. No, nearly everyone in this book has issues and those issues affect, most often negatively, them and those they love. Crowe has a talent for bringing to the page characters with confused, conflicting emotions who don't even realize they are creating their own misery by trying so hard to avoid broken hearts – just like real life!...A huge cliffhanger left me to again impatiently await the next book, CLOSING COSTS.full review here:http://mybookaddictionreviews.wordpress.com/2012/02/26/sweat-equity-by-liz-crowe/
SWEAT EQUITY IS NOW AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE FROM:ARe: http://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-sweatequity-728028-149.html
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Sweat-Equity-The-Realtors-ebook/dp/B007D8HDD4/ref=sr_1_13?ie=UTF8&qid=1330363348&sr=8-13
Or get an AUTOGRAPHED COPY from yours truly via the TRI DESTINY, SIZZLIN BOOKS SITE:http://www.sizzlinbooks.com/sweat-equity-the-realtors-book-2/#.T0u8LlH6jMI
and NOW what you've been waiting for....observe carefully and tell me what cards Craig was dealt first in a comment and you could WIN an autographed copy of FLOOR TIME...first of the Realtors Series (if I get enough comments I'll even give away a $10 gift card to Amazon!)
Behind the Scenes with The RealtorsPoker Night at Jack's House
Craig stomped his feet to rid his boots of snow, and hit the doorbell just as a tall, slim guy who looked to be about Jack's age joined him on the front porch.
"Hi," the guy stuck out a hand. "You must be Craig. I'm Evan."
"Oh, hey. Yeah, I'm Craig." The whole extreme awkwardness of coming here, to Jack's house, albeit for an innocuous poker night with 'the boys' weighed even heavier as he turned and faced the huge wooden door without another word. When it swung open and he faced Sara, the whole thing took on a surreal aura that made him want to turn and run away, or get shit faced drunk. She smiled and gave him a warm hug. That damn diamond caught the porch light nearly blinding him.
"Hey guys. C'mon in. You know where to go. Evan, show the new guy to the lair. I'm still getting food together."
"You? Getting food together? Jesus save us. Glad I ate already." Evan gave her a one-armed hug and a quick kiss, handing over the six packs from his company's brewery. Craig shoved his hands in his pockets and wished like hell for the millionth time he were anywhere else in the universe but right here, in this picture perfect renovated bungalow in one of Ann Arbor's most exclusive close-to-campus neighborhoods, within touching distance of the woman he'd fantasized about for months. The woman engaged to the larger than life successful man who owned the house. He took a breath. "Here new guy," Evan tossed a bottle Craig's way. "You're gonna need this."
Sara flipped Evan off, rolled her eyes at Craig and headed out presumably for the kitchen. Craig accepted Evan's offer of a bottle opener and downed half the crisp brew in seconds, his mind spinning with the weird situation he found himself in, still thinking he might extricate somehow without having to face Jack Gordon.
"That you Adams?" Jack's deep rough voice floated up from a large doorway at the back of the hallway. "Get down here and I'll beat you once at pool before I kick your ass at Hold 'em." Evan indicated the doorway to Craig.
"After you." Craig sighed and started down the hardwood staircase. Sights and sounds assaulted him. Trying to take it all in he had to clap his mouth shut at the extreme "man cave" of the whole scene. One corner was dominated by a giant television with an Xbox and several leather recliners, two of which were occupied by Sara's brother Blake and his lover, Rob battling it out over virtual MLS Soccer. The middle of the room held a full size pool table, currently in use by the man of the house. Next to it, a six-person regulation poker table, already set with cards, cigars and beer.
He wandered over and touched the soft green felt, wincing when a hand settled on his shoulder. "Craig. Glad you could make it." Jack grinned around the cigar he had clamped between his teeth. Blake looked up and waved at him.
"Uh, sure. Thanks for the invite."
"Okay boys," Sara's voice joined the cacophony of soccer and ESPN tuned to Michigan basketball. "Here we go. The feast."
"Oh shit, seriously Gordon you let her cook?" Rob asked his eyes never leaving the screen, biting his lip as he jerked one arm, pressed a button repeatedly, and then jumped up yelling "Gooooooooal!" Blake groaned and threw his controller down on the soft carpet.
"Oh yeah, I slaved. Here, chips, salsa, guacamole, veggies and hummus. A fucking feast. Now, let's play." All the men, including her fiancé stared at her. But she arranged the food, popped open a beer and took a seat at the table. "What?" Craig smiled at the fake innocent look on her face.
"Oh um honey, you know I thought you'd do a girl's night or something you know…" Jack looked at Evan who shrugged. Blake grinned and put an arm around his sister. He whispered something to her and she laughed, making Craig's chest tighten. God, he missed her. He grabbed another beer from the cooler, opened it and sat down.
"Yeah, so let's go already. Money is burning a hole in my pocket."
After about an hour and a half, the entire table was two thirds to being shit faced and Sara had taken them all for a ride. She sat back, sipping her beer, as her fiancé shot daggers from his bright blue eyes her way. Craig had a nice pot for himself as well and was close on her heels. Evan kept folding, Rob and Blake bluffing and Sara kept swooping in and taking the pile of bills from the middle of the table. After the last hand, Craig could sense Jack's frustration from across the table.
"Relax lover boy. You get to sleep with her tonight. Play those cards right and she might give you some of it back." Jack glared at Evan who popped open a couple more beers and handed him one.
"I hate to lose. It's part of my fucking charm." They clinked bottles and Jack sat back, taking in Sara's pile of cash, then Craig's. "Deal Future Mrs. Gordon. But rest assured, I know your bluff now." He stared at his fiancé. The look smoldered with something that made Craig's entire body break out in a chill.
Rob made a half hearted, half drunk attempt at a Jaws theme. Blake laughed so hard he nearly fell out of his chair. Craig sipped and made a vow: He'd take the next pot. All of it. Show the bastard.
The cards on the table were all diamonds: a ten, queen and jack. The table sucked in a collective breath. Craig glanced at his. Jack of clubs, Queen of hearts.
Nothing.
The worst possible hand.
He smiled and rubbed his head, then tossed half his money into the middle of the table. Blake whistled. Evan threw his cards down. Sara stared at him, narrowed her eyes, and matched his bet. Rob groaned and stood up. "I'm done. For real." He put a hand on Blake's shoulder. The other man didn't look up, but matched Craig and Sara's bet, sweetening the pot by at least another couple hundred bucks.
When it was Jack's turn he did the same, his grin wide. He stuck the cigar back between his lips and puffed. Evan sat at the table to see how it played out. Craig resisted the urge to fold and to wipe at his upper lip from nervousness. He held out a hand for a cigar. Blake handed him one and the lighter. He lit up and stared at the absolute nothing he still held, then indicated he wanted a new card. Jack chuckled. "Nice try blondie." Craig looked up, keeping his gaze neutral. Sara cleared her throat and shot Jack a significant look.
The card did not improve his standing at all but he leaned back in his chair and puffed a minute, admiring the cocky asshole's taste in Cuban tobacco. Then shoved the rest of his not insignificant pile of cash to the middle of the table. Sara gasped which made the hairs on Craig's arm stand up. But he just smiled when she put her cards down on the table and nodded to him indicating her concession.
Blake laughed and stood, clapping Craig on the back. "You must be one lucky guy."
Craig resisted the urge to contradict him, keeping his neutral gaze on the man across the table from him. The man who had the woman he wanted. And would likely keep her. Jack puffed, ignoring him admirably, staring at his cards a minute, then up at the ceiling. Finally after what felt like an eon, he put his cards face down on the table and gestured across the table.
"Oh, Gordon, such a pussy move. You disappoint me," Evan laughed and stood, finishing his beer. "Let's see it young Craig. What amazing hand wins that pile of my friend's dough?"
Craig kept his face still and turned over the two cards that would never in a million years have beaten even a half decent hand. "Holy shit!" Jack stood. "You fucker!" but he laughed. "Got a set of clanging balls on you my man, I like that about you." Sara stuck her tongue out at him then leaned in for a hug, nearly bringing him to his, admittedly more than a little drunk, knees with lust.
He stood, hit the bathroom and braced himself on the wall, staring at the television over the urinal, tuned to Sports Center. He sighed, flushed, washed up and went back out. Jack had pulled Sara into his lap, had a proprietary hand on her thigh. Her arm was around his broad shoulders. She looked up at him and he bit down on the urge to drag her away from Jack and into his own arms.
"So, nobody drives after a night like this. Craig I have sheets and stuff for the bedroom down here," Sara waved towards the back hallway. Craig stiffened. Stay here? While she and Gordon did whatever they did upstairs. Hardly. He pulled out his phone.
"No, no, it's fine I'll call a cab." Evan draped an arm around his shoulders.
"Share it with you ya bluffing bastard."
He smiled. "Sure." Blake and Rob started upstairs.
"Keep it down you two." Jack called after them. "Throws off my God damn mojo." He buried his face in Sara's neck. Craig looked away as she giggled and threaded her hands in his coal black hair.
Both of the tall, handsome blonde men flipped off their host and continued up, Craig assumed to some guest room. Sara stood, throwing her arms around him. Jack narrowed his eyes at them both. Emboldened by beer, he kissed her right on the lips, marveling once again at her perfection before disentangling himself, scooping up his winnings and heading upstairs to wait for the cab.
I have a series of these "deleted scenes" as part of my upcoming blog tour to celebrate the release of SWEAT EQUITY (book 2) and as the lead up to CLOSING COSTS (book 3).
FIRST I gotta share some early reviews for Sweat Equity:
Melissa @ Sizzling Reviews says:
Sara and Jack burn up the pages of Sweat Equity together and apart as they try to get each other out of their hearts. The sex scenes sizzle and will make you breathless. But it is the push and pull of attraction between Sara and Jack that will drive you up the wall.
Full review here:http://www.sizzlinghotbooks.net/2012/02/sweat-equity-by-liz-crowe.html
And a reader/reviewer for My Book Addiction who just happens to be a REALTOR says: This is no fairy tale love story where a brief conflict is simply solved and everyone's lives proceed to the happily ever after. No, nearly everyone in this book has issues and those issues affect, most often negatively, them and those they love. Crowe has a talent for bringing to the page characters with confused, conflicting emotions who don't even realize they are creating their own misery by trying so hard to avoid broken hearts – just like real life!...A huge cliffhanger left me to again impatiently await the next book, CLOSING COSTS.full review here:http://mybookaddictionreviews.wordpress.com/2012/02/26/sweat-equity-by-liz-crowe/
SWEAT EQUITY IS NOW AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE FROM:ARe: http://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-sweatequity-728028-149.html
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Sweat-Equity-The-Realtors-ebook/dp/B007D8HDD4/ref=sr_1_13?ie=UTF8&qid=1330363348&sr=8-13
Or get an AUTOGRAPHED COPY from yours truly via the TRI DESTINY, SIZZLIN BOOKS SITE:http://www.sizzlinbooks.com/sweat-equity-the-realtors-book-2/#.T0u8LlH6jMI
and NOW what you've been waiting for....observe carefully and tell me what cards Craig was dealt first in a comment and you could WIN an autographed copy of FLOOR TIME...first of the Realtors Series (if I get enough comments I'll even give away a $10 gift card to Amazon!)
Behind the Scenes with The RealtorsPoker Night at Jack's House
Craig stomped his feet to rid his boots of snow, and hit the doorbell just as a tall, slim guy who looked to be about Jack's age joined him on the front porch.
"Hi," the guy stuck out a hand. "You must be Craig. I'm Evan."
"Oh, hey. Yeah, I'm Craig." The whole extreme awkwardness of coming here, to Jack's house, albeit for an innocuous poker night with 'the boys' weighed even heavier as he turned and faced the huge wooden door without another word. When it swung open and he faced Sara, the whole thing took on a surreal aura that made him want to turn and run away, or get shit faced drunk. She smiled and gave him a warm hug. That damn diamond caught the porch light nearly blinding him.
"Hey guys. C'mon in. You know where to go. Evan, show the new guy to the lair. I'm still getting food together."
"You? Getting food together? Jesus save us. Glad I ate already." Evan gave her a one-armed hug and a quick kiss, handing over the six packs from his company's brewery. Craig shoved his hands in his pockets and wished like hell for the millionth time he were anywhere else in the universe but right here, in this picture perfect renovated bungalow in one of Ann Arbor's most exclusive close-to-campus neighborhoods, within touching distance of the woman he'd fantasized about for months. The woman engaged to the larger than life successful man who owned the house. He took a breath. "Here new guy," Evan tossed a bottle Craig's way. "You're gonna need this."
Sara flipped Evan off, rolled her eyes at Craig and headed out presumably for the kitchen. Craig accepted Evan's offer of a bottle opener and downed half the crisp brew in seconds, his mind spinning with the weird situation he found himself in, still thinking he might extricate somehow without having to face Jack Gordon.
"That you Adams?" Jack's deep rough voice floated up from a large doorway at the back of the hallway. "Get down here and I'll beat you once at pool before I kick your ass at Hold 'em." Evan indicated the doorway to Craig.
"After you." Craig sighed and started down the hardwood staircase. Sights and sounds assaulted him. Trying to take it all in he had to clap his mouth shut at the extreme "man cave" of the whole scene. One corner was dominated by a giant television with an Xbox and several leather recliners, two of which were occupied by Sara's brother Blake and his lover, Rob battling it out over virtual MLS Soccer. The middle of the room held a full size pool table, currently in use by the man of the house. Next to it, a six-person regulation poker table, already set with cards, cigars and beer.
He wandered over and touched the soft green felt, wincing when a hand settled on his shoulder. "Craig. Glad you could make it." Jack grinned around the cigar he had clamped between his teeth. Blake looked up and waved at him.
"Uh, sure. Thanks for the invite."
"Okay boys," Sara's voice joined the cacophony of soccer and ESPN tuned to Michigan basketball. "Here we go. The feast."
"Oh shit, seriously Gordon you let her cook?" Rob asked his eyes never leaving the screen, biting his lip as he jerked one arm, pressed a button repeatedly, and then jumped up yelling "Gooooooooal!" Blake groaned and threw his controller down on the soft carpet.
"Oh yeah, I slaved. Here, chips, salsa, guacamole, veggies and hummus. A fucking feast. Now, let's play." All the men, including her fiancé stared at her. But she arranged the food, popped open a beer and took a seat at the table. "What?" Craig smiled at the fake innocent look on her face.
"Oh um honey, you know I thought you'd do a girl's night or something you know…" Jack looked at Evan who shrugged. Blake grinned and put an arm around his sister. He whispered something to her and she laughed, making Craig's chest tighten. God, he missed her. He grabbed another beer from the cooler, opened it and sat down.
"Yeah, so let's go already. Money is burning a hole in my pocket."
After about an hour and a half, the entire table was two thirds to being shit faced and Sara had taken them all for a ride. She sat back, sipping her beer, as her fiancé shot daggers from his bright blue eyes her way. Craig had a nice pot for himself as well and was close on her heels. Evan kept folding, Rob and Blake bluffing and Sara kept swooping in and taking the pile of bills from the middle of the table. After the last hand, Craig could sense Jack's frustration from across the table.
"Relax lover boy. You get to sleep with her tonight. Play those cards right and she might give you some of it back." Jack glared at Evan who popped open a couple more beers and handed him one.
"I hate to lose. It's part of my fucking charm." They clinked bottles and Jack sat back, taking in Sara's pile of cash, then Craig's. "Deal Future Mrs. Gordon. But rest assured, I know your bluff now." He stared at his fiancé. The look smoldered with something that made Craig's entire body break out in a chill.
Rob made a half hearted, half drunk attempt at a Jaws theme. Blake laughed so hard he nearly fell out of his chair. Craig sipped and made a vow: He'd take the next pot. All of it. Show the bastard.
The cards on the table were all diamonds: a ten, queen and jack. The table sucked in a collective breath. Craig glanced at his. Jack of clubs, Queen of hearts.
Nothing.
The worst possible hand.
He smiled and rubbed his head, then tossed half his money into the middle of the table. Blake whistled. Evan threw his cards down. Sara stared at him, narrowed her eyes, and matched his bet. Rob groaned and stood up. "I'm done. For real." He put a hand on Blake's shoulder. The other man didn't look up, but matched Craig and Sara's bet, sweetening the pot by at least another couple hundred bucks.
When it was Jack's turn he did the same, his grin wide. He stuck the cigar back between his lips and puffed. Evan sat at the table to see how it played out. Craig resisted the urge to fold and to wipe at his upper lip from nervousness. He held out a hand for a cigar. Blake handed him one and the lighter. He lit up and stared at the absolute nothing he still held, then indicated he wanted a new card. Jack chuckled. "Nice try blondie." Craig looked up, keeping his gaze neutral. Sara cleared her throat and shot Jack a significant look.
The card did not improve his standing at all but he leaned back in his chair and puffed a minute, admiring the cocky asshole's taste in Cuban tobacco. Then shoved the rest of his not insignificant pile of cash to the middle of the table. Sara gasped which made the hairs on Craig's arm stand up. But he just smiled when she put her cards down on the table and nodded to him indicating her concession.
Blake laughed and stood, clapping Craig on the back. "You must be one lucky guy."
Craig resisted the urge to contradict him, keeping his neutral gaze on the man across the table from him. The man who had the woman he wanted. And would likely keep her. Jack puffed, ignoring him admirably, staring at his cards a minute, then up at the ceiling. Finally after what felt like an eon, he put his cards face down on the table and gestured across the table.
"Oh, Gordon, such a pussy move. You disappoint me," Evan laughed and stood, finishing his beer. "Let's see it young Craig. What amazing hand wins that pile of my friend's dough?"
Craig kept his face still and turned over the two cards that would never in a million years have beaten even a half decent hand. "Holy shit!" Jack stood. "You fucker!" but he laughed. "Got a set of clanging balls on you my man, I like that about you." Sara stuck her tongue out at him then leaned in for a hug, nearly bringing him to his, admittedly more than a little drunk, knees with lust.
He stood, hit the bathroom and braced himself on the wall, staring at the television over the urinal, tuned to Sports Center. He sighed, flushed, washed up and went back out. Jack had pulled Sara into his lap, had a proprietary hand on her thigh. Her arm was around his broad shoulders. She looked up at him and he bit down on the urge to drag her away from Jack and into his own arms.
"So, nobody drives after a night like this. Craig I have sheets and stuff for the bedroom down here," Sara waved towards the back hallway. Craig stiffened. Stay here? While she and Gordon did whatever they did upstairs. Hardly. He pulled out his phone.
"No, no, it's fine I'll call a cab." Evan draped an arm around his shoulders.
"Share it with you ya bluffing bastard."
He smiled. "Sure." Blake and Rob started upstairs.
"Keep it down you two." Jack called after them. "Throws off my God damn mojo." He buried his face in Sara's neck. Craig looked away as she giggled and threaded her hands in his coal black hair.
Both of the tall, handsome blonde men flipped off their host and continued up, Craig assumed to some guest room. Sara stood, throwing her arms around him. Jack narrowed his eyes at them both. Emboldened by beer, he kissed her right on the lips, marveling once again at her perfection before disentangling himself, scooping up his winnings and heading upstairs to wait for the cab.
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