Spotlight & Giveaway: Claiming His Out-of-Bounds Bride by Annie West

Today it is my pleasure to Welcome author Annie West to HJ!

Hi Annie and welcome to HJ! We’re so excited to chat with you about your new release, Claiming His Out-of-Bounds Bride!

 
Thanks so much for having me to visit. I so enjoy my regular stops at Harlequin Junkie! Waving hi from wintry Australia.
 

Please summarize the book for the readers here:

Marriage of convenience to the wrong man! Instead of marrying her friend to cement a deal that will join their families’ luxury fashion companies, Olivia finds herself bound to his brooding, enigmatic older brother. A man who arouses her secret passions and fears. Alessandro wants Olivia from the first but believes she loves his brother Carlo. When Carlo jilts her, Alessandro steps in. Can he turn a convenient marriage into the real thing?
 

Please share the opening lines of this book:

‘It’s coming together.’ Sonia surveyed the fall of Olivia’s full-length dress while another seamstress knelt between them, adjusting the hem. ‘We’re almost there.’
(Olivia is having the final fitting of her wedding dress).

Please share a few Fun facts about this book…

• This story grew out of my Indie published ‘Hot Italian Nights’ series. I wrote ‘Burning for the Italian’ about Sonia, a budding dress designer who arrives in Rome to find a sexy, naked man has taken over her new apartment. If you want to know what happens, click here: https://www.amazon.com/Burning-Italian-Hot-Nights-Book-ebook/dp/B07CYWTCWY/ I loved this story so much I intended to write a follow up story. It would open with Sonia designing a fabulous bridal gown for a bride who gets jilted during her final dress fitting. However, in the end I decided the story I had in mind was longer than those in my shorter Hot Italian Nights series, so I wrote it for Harlequin. Sonia is still the designer and makes an appearance at the beginning of the story.
• Settings in the book are inspired by travels to Italy, including a stay in Venice (though not at a palazzo on the Grand Canal). When I was there I saw quite a few wedding couples posing for photos, so maybe that implanted the idea in my head.
• I adore the idea of a strong, self-contained man who’s trying to fight an attraction because the woman he wants is forbidden for some reason. I had free rein with that in this story and enjoyed every moment of it!

Please tell us a little about the characters in your book. As you wrote your protagonist was there anything about them that surprised you?

I always knew that beneath the brooding exterior and stern self-control, Alessandro was an incredibly passionate man. That made writing the book a real treat. I love that sense of a volcano of raw emotions just waiting to be tapped. Even so, I don’t think I was quite ready for what happened when I unleashed the real Alessandro. So strong, so sensitive, so determined – I fell in love with him just as Olivia did.
Similarly, as I worked through Olivia’s history and how it had turned her into the woman she’d become, I found myself admiring her strength. Her actions when she believes Alessandro hasn’t treated her well weren’t planned. They just happened as she took off across the pages and I raced to keep up with her!

If your book was optioned for a movie, what scene would you use for the audition of the main characters and why?

I’d choose the moment when Alessandro unexpectedly interrupts Olivia’s bridal fitting. Both are, as usual, hyper—aware of each other, but in this moment, their focus is on external news that will change their lives. I’d like to see actors manage to convey both.

For a beat of her pulse he said nothing. ‘Have you heard from Carlo lately?’
Olivia frowned. ‘Of course. We’re in regular contact.’ Not as regular as if they were lovers, counting the hours till their reunion, but they kept in touch. He was in the States, wrapping up some business for his brother and catching up with friends.
‘Today?’
Icy fingers gripped the back of her neck. ‘Is he okay? Has something happened to him?’
‘As far as I can tell he’s physically fine. But I’d suggest you check your messages.’ The glitter in Alessandro’s eyes and the way he spoke, as if through gritted teeth, amplified her disquiet.
There had been a message from Carlo earlier. It had gone to voice mail when she had her phone on silent during a meeting with the caterer. Since then there’d been one thing after another. She hadn’t had a chance to listen to it.
Olivia whirled around, the dress swishing around her. But her phone wasn’t here. It was in the next room with her clothes. She swung back, nerves stretching as she saw a pulse throb in Alessandro’s throat. A sense of urgency gripped her. Something momentous had happened.
‘Just tell me! What’s wrong?’
For an instant he hesitated, then Alessandro nodded.
‘Carlo has jilted you. He’s run off with another woman.’

What do you want people to take away from reading this book?

Definitely a big sigh of satisfaction. And the urge to go and read another marriage of convenience story. It’s one of my favourite themes!

What are you currently working on? What other releases do you have planned?

I’m currently finishing a Cinderella story and wondering what to write next. If you have suggestions, please let me know!
My next book out is around Christmas -perfect for holiday reading and giving. It’s called ‘The King’s Bride By Arrangement’ about a royal betrothal that turns out not to be cold-blooded or convenient, but passionate and potentially scandalous.
Early in the new year look out for ‘The Sheikh’s Marriage Proclamation’ about a runaway who finds safety with her family’s enemy. I’ll share excerpts and behind the scenes info on both in my newsletters, so sign up (see below) if you’re interested in those or my special giveaways.
 

Thanks for blogging at HJ!

Giveaway: This is an international giveaway with two winners. As this new release is a Marriage of Convenience (MOC) story, I’ll give each winner will receive a signed, previously published, Annie West title with an MOC theme. The winners can each choose their preferred MOC book from my website. (If you go to my book page there’s a drop down menu where you can search by theme).

To enter Giveaway: Please complete the Rafflecopter form and Post a comment to this Q: I’m trying to decide what sort of story to write next. Do you have any suggestions? Maybe a favourite trope, or even a type of story you haven’t seen much of but would like to? I can’t guarantee I’ll write it but you never know!

 
a Rafflecopter giveaway

 
 

Excerpt from Claiming His Out-of-Bounds Bride:

‘Okay.’ Olivia let out her breath in a reluctant sigh. ‘Let’s talk.’
The idea of having Alessandro Sartori of all people picking over the bones of her thwarted marriage was about as appealing as root canal therapy. But he was right. Damage control was vital.
Though what they could do she had no idea.
The one thing she was certain of was that her grandparents wouldn’t proceed with the merger without her marriage, bringing the two families together on an equal footing. No merger meant not only years of wasted work, but humiliation on a huge scale as the two companies drew apart. Public disquiet would go deeper than gossip on the social pages. There would be serious reservations about the competence and viability of both companies. The damage to reputation…
Alessandro gestured to one of the straight backed chairs, inviting her to sit.
Olivia shook her head. ‘Give me five minutes to get out of this dress.’
It wasn’t just about preserving the dress in pristine condition. With its tight sleeves and closely fitted bodice, the gown was making her claustrophobic. Olivia wanted to rip it off rather than continue wearing a symbol of a marriage that wouldn’t happen. Carlo had made a laughing stock of her and this gown was an all-too physical reminder. The thought of wearing it any longer made her skin crawl. Maybe in putting on her own clothes she’d also recover her ability to think. Right now her mind was dazed and blank.
As for her chances of kick starting a strong new venture with this dress, they were now at zero.
Alessandro was turning away when she stopped him. ‘Wait.’ She paused, slicking her tongue along dry lips. ‘Could you help with the catch?’
Ridiculous to feel nervous. It was a simple task. But she couldn’t wait till Sonia came back upstairs.
She watched one straight dark eyebrow rise on Alessandro’s forehead, then flatten as he frowned.
As if she’d asked him for an unsecured business loan instead of help with a fastening. What was the guy’s problem?
But he’d always had a problem with her. Right from that first day. Which showed how skewed her instincts had been regarding Alessandro.
She’d been at a party when her eyes locked on the handsome stranger on the far side of the room. She could have sworn that something primitive and powerful passed between them. Something that made the crowd’s noise fade and her heart thump to an eager new beat as excitement fizzed in her blood. Then the crowd closed in and she lost sight of him.
Soon after, chatting with Carlo, she’d sensed she was being scrutinised. Only to find her heart-stopping stranger had morphed into Mr Tall, Dark and Dismissive. He’d scowled at them as if the sight of two friends talking was in some way repugnant.
Or as if she was. Olivia sensed it was the latter. Though his manners were impeccable, Carlo’s brother always arranged it so they were never seated near each other. He was never alone with her. Was her presence so trying?
She suppressed a bitter huff of laughter. Carlo’s news really was momentous. It had brought Alessandro to her. Would wonders never cease?
Her spurt of humour faded as he stepped behind her, close enough that she was conscious of his tall frame centimetres away. Warmth invaded her. From him? Or from something inside herself?
‘Where’s the catch?’ He spoke softly yet his voice hit a disturbingly low note that she felt deep within. His breath expelled across her hair, piled up in a chignon, and down her neck, as if he inclined his head to investigate the dress.
Her breath snagged, breasts rising, and to her mortification Olivia’s nipples beaded.
Choking down the urge to tell him it didn’t matter, she lifted a hand to the neckline at the back of the dress, feeling for the first tiny catch.
‘It’s very delicate. There are a couple of fastenings.’ The first she could manage but the next one was difficult.
‘I see them.’
Olivia felt his fingers move against the fabric. He seemed in no hurry but soon she felt a whisper of air as he parted both the first then the second fastenings.
‘I’ll lower the zip a little, shall I, to get it started?’
She was about to tell him she’d manage when she felt it slide to her shoulder blades then stop. His hand lifted and she realised he’d been careful not to come in contact with her flesh. Nor had he dragged the zip too low. Clearly she didn’t have to worry he’d take advantage of the situation. Proof, if she’d needed it, that Alessandro was anything but interested in her as a woman.
Unfortunately Olivia couldn’t claim the same level of disinterest. Her nostrils twitched as she inhaled a hint of citrusy bergamot and — was that leather? It was a warm, summer’s scent, with a depth that she guessed came from Alessandro himself, and it made her tingle all over.
She swallowed and tried to pretend her interest was purely professional. Because she hoped one day to steer the company towards creating designer fragrances.
If they could bottle Alessandro’s scent…
Olivia pressed a palm to her bodice, though it wasn’t in danger of falling, and looked over her shoulder. He stood so close they almost touched. Something snapped hard in her chest.
‘Thank you. I’ll meet you in the salon in a few minutes.’
‘I’ll ring for drinks.’ He moved to the door, the frown back on his face as if the sight of her worried him. ‘Coffee or something else?’
Brandy to revive her after the shock?
Her nose wrinkled. She felt like ordering a double vodka just to see his expression. It sounded the sort of thing you’d have when your world crumbled. Except she’d probably choke on the neat spirit and feel more gauche than she already did.
‘Coffee is fine.’
He left the room. Only when the door shut did Olivia let her shoulders drop. She felt like she’d carried an unseen weight since she got Carlo’s message.
She looked at the phone. But what was the point of listening to the message again? There was no time to rehash what was already done. They needed a plan.
No matter how wobbly she felt or how unprepared to meet with Carlo’s brother in hopes of salvaging something from this mess.
Five minutes later, wearing a slim fitting skirt and silk shirt, Olivia stepped into a pair of high heels and slicked on a bright lipstick.
Armour to face Alessandro?
The idea was laughable. He’d already seen her at her weakest. Besides, he wasn’t her enemy precisely. Only a man who made her very uncomfortable.
Her laugh was a snort of self-derision. As if anything could make her more uncomfortable than today’s news!
All her plans, her hopes, gone to glory.
Straightening her backbone, she turned the doorknob and entered the salon.
Alessandro stood by a long window. Not looking at the iconic view, but scowling down at his phone, texting.
It struck her that she’d never seen him relaxing, even at social events. He was always networking, discussing business opportunities, making every moment count.
Except the evening they’d first met. Then, for a brief time, it had felt as if all his attention was totally, irrevocably focused on her, not on business.
Hastily Olivia buried the thought. It was nonsense. Something she’d imagined. Even if it weren’t, that moment had passed long ago.
She crossed the room, trying come up with some strategy to save the day. Some coup that would divert the disaster that loomed. But her brain ran in circles.
Except for the part of her mind fixed on Alessandro. The light slanting through the windows cast shadows that emphasised his aggressively masculine yet disturbingly sensual features. He wasn’t a comfortable man to be around. She always felt on edge when he was near, as if one unwary step or word might end with…what? She’d never worked it out, just knew he made her tense.
But Alessandro was the driving force behind Sartori. His business acumen was phenomenal. If anyone could come up with a plan to lessen the fallout from this disaster, it was he.
Instead of going straight to him, Olivia headed for the tray on a nearby table. His untouched espresso was there and a milk coffee for her.
Had he noticed that, though half Italian, she’d never developed the taste for strong coffee? She frowned and picked up her cup. As if! This was the housekeeper’s doing.
When she looked back Alessandro was watching her. He’d turned towards her and with the sun behind him she couldn’t read his expression. Yet tiny pinpricks pinched her skin. She knew his scrutiny was intense.
Looking for signs she was going to turn hysterical?
She picked up the tiny espresso cup and held it out to him, grateful when he moved to take it. The silence was thick with tension.
Olivia waited but still he didn’t say anything. The nape of her neck pinched as if nipped by phantom fingers.
‘I presume you’re here because you’ve got a plan, Alessandro.’
He lifted the tiny cup to his mouth and swallowed, then put it back on its saucer with a decisive click. Only then did he answer.
‘I have.’
Olivia started. She’d thrown out the words more in hope than expectation.
‘Why don’t you sit before you spill that?’ he added.
His words reminded her of earlier, when he’d come here to tell her she’d been jilted. But, she reassured herself, nothing he could say now could cap that. She’d had her earthshattering news for the day.
So she ignored the warning premonition feathering her senses and sank onto a chair. That was better. Her legs were still too shaky.
‘So.’ She looked up to where he still stood, unmoving. ‘What’s your idea?’
‘Simple. The wedding goes ahead.’
Olivia scowled. ‘Even you couldn’t force your brother back here to marry when he doesn’t want to.’ So much for believing Alessandro had a solution.
‘Ah, but it won’t be Carlo marrying you.’ He paused, as if assessing her reaction. ‘It will be me.’

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.
 
 

Book Info:

No marriage? No merger. They had only one option.

He’d denied his attraction while she’d been promised to his brother. So when Olivia Jennings is jilted days before her elaborately planned wedding, Alessandro Sartori offers himself as groom. Their families will get the merger they want. And he’ll finally get the bride he craves.

Orphan Olivia has always felt invisible. But the desire she discovers with her unexpected husband makes her feel seen for the very first time. Theirs is a paper marriage, but what will become of them if they choose to make their vows real?

Book Links: Amazon | B&N | iTunes | Kobo | Google |
 
 

Meet the Author:

USA Today Bestselling author Annie West loves writing passionate, intense love stories. She has devoted her life to an in depth study of tall, dark, charismatic heroes who cause the best kind of trouble in the lives of their heroines. Creating heroines who are a perfect match for those strong, stubborn men is one of her all time favorite things. As a sideline she’s also researched dreamy locations for romance, from vibrant cities to desert encampments and fairytale castles. She lives on the east coast of Australia and her favorite things are books, good company, good food and travel.
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | GoodReads |