Adriana Kraft

When it's time to heat things up...

Excerpts

“I gave it to you to tide you over…” #NewRelease #MFRWsteam #RomanticSuspense

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Welcome to Steam Hop, a monthly offering by members of Marketing For Romance Writers for readers who like their scenes hot and spicy. Click on the links at the end to travel to other Steam Hop posts, and enjoy!

Today’s excerpt is from our newest release, I Am Not For Sale.

A desperate espresso café owner, a determined coffee franchise rep, a quiet Midwestern town, anonymous threats out of the blue—where does the true danger lie?

EXCERPT

Set-up: Today’s excerpt occurs just after Kevin’s first visit to Nadja’s cafe. Her Aunt Ivett has been watching through the door that connects their two shops…

Ivett looked around, probably double-checking that they were alone. She leaned forward and spoke softly. “Maybe I shouldn’t have given you that crystal dildo two years ago. I gave it to you to tide you over—not to replace a man.”

Scowling, Nadja huffed, “You know I don’t like calling it a dildo. It’s my magical crystal wand.”

“Did you ever try the rabbit I gave you?”

“I don’t want to use anything mechanical. The crystal is natural and communicates its own vibrations. And I’ve told you before, I do enjoy it. It warms me.”

“Not as much as a man would. I’m sorry I gave it to you.”

“Don’t be sorry. Maybe I simply haven’t found a man who intrigues me enough to make time for him.”

BLURB

It’s nothing personal…

It all seems simple enough—Ukrainian immigrant Nadja Petrov is determined to hold on to her thriving new coffee shop, Nadja’s Literary Cappuccino, and Java Beans District Rep Kevin Langley is equally determined to move into her North Iowa town with a franchise and run her out of business.

He scopes her out, she keeps a watchful eye on him, and the sparring begins. But there are other players involved, and the web of intrigue soon threatens Nadja, her shop, and her aunt as well as Kevin, his potential franchise, and his son. Within this cauldron simmers a sexual attraction between Nadja and Kevin that catapults them to overcome their fears of intimacy and commitment. Their lovemaking is tender and raw. Their love is nearly lost in tragedy—can it survive doubts, fire, and even a death?

REVIEW

Five Stars from N. N. Light: “The romance is so hot, you may have to call the fire department. But it’s the character development throughout I am Not for Sale which makes this such an incredible story.” https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/post/i-am-not-for-sale-bookreview

BUY LINKS

Amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09L7WQH12/

Barnes & Noble https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/1140503297

Kobo https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/i-am-not-for-sale

Smashwords https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1115419

ExtasyBooks https://www.extasybooks.com/I-am-Not-for-Sale

GoodReads https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/59582104

BookBub https://www.bookbub.com/books/i-am-not-for-sale-by-adriana-kraft

He hadn’t really paid much attention… #NewRelease #RomanticSuspense #MFRWHooks

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A desperate espresso café owner, a determined coffee franchise rep, a quiet Midwestern town, anonymous threats out of the blue—where does the true danger lie?

Welcome to Book Hooks, a Wednesday offering by members of Marketing For Romance Writers to share a little taste of our work and entice you into wanting more! Click on the links at the end to travel to other Book Hook posts, and enjoy!

This week’s excerpt comes from our latest release, I Am Not for Sale. Kevin is back home in the Twin Cities after his first effort to scope out Nadja’s coffee shop.

Excerpt

Kevin spied the book he’d borrowed sitting on the end of his counter. He leaned over to retrieve it. KIEV was its title.

He hadn’t really paid much attention to what he’d pulled off the shelf. His interest had been much more focused on Nadja’s reaction.

He chuckled, remembering how she’d wanted to get rid of him. He opened the book and studied numerous pictures of majestic, gilded onion-domed buildings and snow-covered fields. There were no words. He flipped to the back of the book and frowned. It had words all right, but in letters totally unfamiliar to him.

He went back to the front of the book and found a map. Kiev/Kyiv. Kiev, Ukraine. He scrunched his mouth. Did that mean Nadja was from Ukraine?

Not necessarily. But it did fit. If someone had asked him where Ukraine was located, he probably would’ve said Russia. He peered at the map. He wouldn’t have been too far off.

He leaned back on his kitchen stool. He’d heard about the stereotypical sexy blonde bombshell from Russia but figured that was just so much smoke or hype.

He shook his head and sighed audibly. That image didn’t fit her—not really. Sexy? Absolutely. No debate about that. But she’d done nothing to flaunt her natural sexiness. If anything, she’d tried to hide it behind an ill-fitting wardrobe. And she’d taken great umbrage at the thought that she might be for sale. Not that he’d ever suggest such a thing—to her or any other woman.

Her sophisticated, blunt-cut blonde hair was efficient as well as sexy. He’d noticed three or four broken fingernails. A woman wanting to flaunt her sex would’ve taken better care of her nails.

BUY LINKS

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09L7WQH12/
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/1140503297
https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/i-am-not-for-sale
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1115419
https://www.extasybooks.com/I-am-Not-for-Sale

REVIEW

Five Stars from N. N. Light

“The romance is so hot, you may have to call the fire department. But it’s the character development throughout I am Not for Sale which makes this such an incredible story.”

BLURB

It’s nothing personal…

It all seems simple enough—Ukrainian immigrant Nadja Petrov is determined to hold on to her thriving new coffee shop, Nadja’s Literary Cappuccino, and Java Beans District Rep Kevin Langley is equally determined to move into her North Iowa town with a franchise and run her out of business.

He scopes her out, she keeps a watchful eye on him, and the sparring begins. But there are other players involved, and the web of intrigue soon threatens Nadja, her shop, and her aunt as well as Kevin, his potential franchise, and his son.

Within this cauldron simmers a sexual attraction between Nadja and Kevin that catapults them to overcome their fears of intimacy and commitment. Their lovemaking is tender and raw. Their love is nearly lost in tragedy—can it survive doubts, fire, and even a death?

CLICK TO TRAVEL:

“And if I don’t sell…” #NewRelease #RomanticSuspense #MFRWHooks

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A desperate espresso café owner, a determined coffee franchise rep, a quiet Midwestern town, anonymous threats out of the blue—where does the true danger lie?

Welcome to Book Hooks, a Wednesday offering by members of Marketing For Romance Writers to share a little taste of our work and entice you into wanting more! Click on the links at the end to travel to other Book Hook posts, and enjoy!

This week’s excerpt comes from our latest release, I Am Not for Sale. Convinced he must prevail and establish his franchise, Kevin has returned to face Najda’s opposition…

EXCERPT

“And if I don’t sell, how long do you suppose it will take before Java Beans has a franchise here?” Nadja asked.

“Depends.” Kevin shrugged. “I’ll have to spend much more time scoping out possibilities. I have a meeting with a realtor tomorrow morning. And I’ll meet with a member of the chamber of commerce for lunch. If we fast track it, maybe nine months. More likely twelve to eighteen months.”

“I see.”

Kevin watched Nadja’s nose twitch and her chin jut out.

“And if I have sex with you, will you go away and tell your superiors that setting up a franchise here would be a very bad idea?”

Kevin couldn’t close his mouth. Had he heard her correctly? Of course he had. His fingers curled into fists. He reached deeply for breath. “Whatever gave you such an idea? Do you really think I can be bought with sex?”

He winced. Her stare was fixed, not giving away at all whether she was bluffing. What would she do if he said yes? “Would you really do such a thing?”

“I’d do anything to protect what’s mine.”

BUY LINKS

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09L7WQH12/
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/1140503297
https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/i-am-not-for-sale
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1115419
https://www.extasybooks.com/I-am-Not-for-Sale

REVIEW

Five Stars from N. N. Light

“The romance is so hot, you may have to call the fire department. But it’s the character development throughout I am Not for Sale which makes this such an incredible story.”

BLURB

It’s nothing personal…

It all seems simple enough—Ukrainian immigrant Nadja Petrov is determined to hold on to her thriving new coffee shop, Nadja’s Literary Cappuccino, and Java Beans District Rep Kevin Langley is equally determined to move into her North Iowa town with a franchise and run her out of business.

He scopes her out, she keeps a watchful eye on him, and the sparring begins. But there are other players involved, and the web of intrigue soon threatens Nadja, her shop, and her aunt as well as Kevin, his potential franchise, and his son.

Within this cauldron simmers a sexual attraction between Nadja and Kevin that catapults them to overcome their fears of intimacy and commitment. Their lovemaking is tender and raw. Their love is nearly lost in tragedy—can it survive doubts, fire, and even a death?

CLICK TO TRAVEL:

Catch a #steamy excerpt at @ReadersRoost today #RomanticSuspense #MFRWAuthor

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Today I’m blogging at The Readers Roost – talking about I Am Not for Sale and sharing a steamy excerpt!

 

A desperate espresso café owner, a determined coffee franchise rep, a quiet Midwestern town, anonymous threats out of the blue—where does the true danger lie?

BUY LINKS

https://www.extasybooks.com/I-am-Not-for-Sale

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09L7WQH12/

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/1140503297

https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/i-am-not-for-sale

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1115419

I Am Not for Sale – Now available at #Amazon #Kindle #RomanticSuspense #HotRead

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A desperate espresso café owner, a determined coffee franchise rep, a quiet Midwestern town, anonymous threats out of the blue—where does the true danger lie?

EXCERPT

Set Up: Nadja’s cafe, just after Kevin has proposed buying her out and finally left.

Blocking the annoying stranger from her mind, Nadja busied herself by packing the leftover bakery goods she would drop off at the local food bank. She glanced up to see her aunt leaning against the doorjamb separating their two stores.

How long had Ivett been standing there? What had she seen? Her dark eyes sparkled as if she possessed a tantalizing secret. Nadja sighed, girding herself for a grilling.

She hoped when she was forty-three she’d look as attractive as her aunt. Ivett’s clear, heart-shaped face was framed by dark flowing hair and set off by the most expressive eyes. But Nadja knew she’d never bubble like her aunt—that kind of free spirit didn’t lurk anywhere in her body.

“Hmm, who’s the tall dark handsome stranger?” Ivett quipped, stepping into the coffee shop. “I don’t think I remember seeing him around. And if I had, I think I’d have noticed. He seemed quite engrossed in you.”

“Nonsense. He was just a customer.” There was no need to tell Ivett about the man’s outlandish proposition. The man had no manners—or maybe he was merely another example of American bluntness.

“Few customers, even male customers, stand at the counter and blatantly undress you in their minds.”

Nadja gasped. “He wasn’t.”

She frowned. Or was he? Her cheeks warmed. She wasn’t blind. She’d noticed his broad chest pulling at his shirt. But she hadn’t considered him any more thoroughly than that. And she didn’t think it wise to do so now.

She shook her head. “You must be wrong. He was only interested in the coffee business.”

“Right! I don’t believe that for a minute, but if you must, go ahead. Your mother has been gone for nearly two years now, Nadja. It’s time for you to get on with your life.”

“I am. Look at this place.” She swept her gaze around the shop. “This was only a dream eighteen months ago. But with the inheritance from my mother and your and Uncle Steve’s help—this is a reality.”

“Your dream is a reality because you worked twenty-six hours a day on it with very little help for the first eight months.”

“I couldn’t hire help until I got the place up and running.”

Ivett blew air through pursed lips, and Nadja prepared herself for what had become an all-too-familiar lecture.

“You could at least show some interest in a man.”

“I don’t even know his name.”

“I don’t only mean him. But he’ll be back.”

BUY LINKS

https://www.extasybooks.com/I-am-Not-for-Sale https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09L7WQH12/

BLURB

It’s nothing personal…

It all seems simple enough—Ukrainian immigrant Nadja Petrov is determined to hold on to her thriving new coffee shop, Nadja’s Literary Cappuccino, and Java Beans District Rep Kevin Langley is equally determined to move into her North Iowa town with a franchise and run her out of business.

He scopes her out, she keeps a watchful eye on him, and the sparring begins. But there are other players involved, and the web of intrigue soon threatens Nadja, her shop, and her aunt as well as Kevin, his potential franchise, and his son. Within this cauldron simmers a sexual attraction between Nadja and Kevin that catapults them to overcome their fears of intimacy and commitment. Their lovemaking is tender and raw. Their love is nearly lost in tragedy—can it survive doubts, fire, and even a death?

“You may watch, but don’t touch.” #MFRWSteam #NewRelease #RomanticSuspense @Extasybooks

by 6 Comments

Welcome to Steam Hop, a monthly offering by members of Marketing For Romance Writers for readers who like their scenes hot and spicy. Click on the links at the end to travel to other Steam Hop posts, and enjoy!

Today’s excerpt is from our newest release, I Am Not For Sale.

A desperate espresso café owner, a determined coffee franchise rep, a quiet Midwestern town, anonymous threats out of the blue—where does the true danger lie?

EXCERPT

“Remove your robe,” Nadja ordered. “I want to see how much you want me.”

Kevin stood briefly to do as she requested and sat back down on the straight backed chair she’d provided him when they entered her dance studio. Her image reflected from mirror to mirror around the room until he was surrounded by her. This was his penance.

If this was her idea of penance, he’d be her supplicant any day. Entirely naked except for her sapphire pendant and a light orange veil she’d used as an added visual tease, she’d been twirling and dancing for several minutes before she came to stop and told him to remove his robe. This was better. Even the robe had been too restrictive.

He skimmed his stiff shaft with his right hand.

“Don’t,” she commanded. “Unless I tell you to.” She gave him a tiny smile. “Which I doubt I will. I want to see him seeking me without your assistance. He is seeking me, isn’t he?”

Resting his hands on the chair seat, Kevin watched his cock weave about. “Yes. Can’t you tell? He wants your heat.”

“Good. Maybe this will teach you to trust me more in the future.”

“Will you still put on a show like this for me if I do?”

She ignored him and let the veil drop to the floor. Without looking at him, she walked to a line of crates on one wall and began tossing out pillows, mats, and throw rugs. He watched her move about without any display of self-consciousness until she’d arranged a bed of sorts in front of his chair.

He swallowed hard when he saw her lie down on her back and spread her thighs before him. Penance had all of a sudden gotten a bit edgy. She tucked a bolster under her butt, providing him with an even more pronounced view of her alluring orifices.

She reached for a small knit bag that he hadn’t seen and unzipped it. Then she pulled out a long crystal object and held it up for him to see.

“You,” she cooed, “wanted to meet my crystal wand.”

He tried to breathe.

She placed the wand in her mouth and made a show of sucking it in and out. “Right?”

“Absolutely,” he croaked.

“You may watch, but don’t touch—me, or yourself.”

 

BUY LINK

Available now at Extasy Books

Coming soon to Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, and Smashwords

 

BLURB

It’s nothing personal…

It all seems simple enough—Ukrainian immigrant Nadja Petrov is determined to hold on to her thriving new coffee shop, Nadja’s Literary Cappuccino, and Java Beans District Rep Kevin Langley is equally determined to move into her North Iowa town with a franchise and run her out of business.

He scopes her out, she keeps a watchful eye on him, and the sparring begins. But there are other players involved, and the web of intrigue soon threatens Nadja, her shop, and her aunt as well as Kevin, his potential franchise, and his son. Within this cauldron simmers a sexual attraction between Nadja and Kevin that catapults them to overcome their fears of intimacy and commitment. Their lovemaking is tender and raw. Their love is nearly lost in tragedy—can it survive doubts, fire, and even a death?

 

Click to travel to the rest of today’s tantalizing excerpts: