Spotlight & Giveaway: How to Sell a Romance by Alexa Martin

Today, HJ is pleased to share with you Alexa Martin’s new release: How to Sell a Romance

Romance is the biggest scheme of them all in this laugh-out-loud romantic comedy from beloved author Alexa Martin.

 
Emerson Pierce loves everything about being a kindergarten teacher except the painfully low salary. It isn’t until she hears about Petunia Lemon—an opportunity to sell makeup products, make some extra money, and meet a group of skin-care aficionados—that she begins to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Sure, it sounds a little too good to be true, but what’s the worst that could happen?

Investigative reporter Lucas Miller didn’t always have a chip on his shoulder…until his wife joined Petunia Lemon, drained their savings, and filed for divorce. Now he’s a little bitter, a lot single, and determined to expose the company. After infiltrating their largest convention yet, the last thing he expects is to lose sight of his mission for one night with the gorgeous woman at the bar.

When Emerson and Lucas learn that she’s his daughter’s teacher, they decide to ignore their scorching chemistry. Until things with Petunia Lemon turn downright diabolical and Emerson turns to Lucas for help. They work together to bring the company down but can the two come out on top in this pyramid scheme of love?

Enjoy an exclusive excerpt from How to Sell a Romance 

“But you really couldn’t pick a better time to join. Petunia Lemon just implemented a brand-new buy back policy so there’s zero risk in joining now. If you sign up and realize in a few weeks or months that you’re not into this, you can send all of your product back and get a full refund.”
“Really?” It almost sounds too good to be true, but if there’s one person I trust not to lead me down the wrong path, it’s Nora.
“Really,” she says before leaning in closer. “But I know you’re going to love it.”
I take a deep breath and look around the room. It’s still packed with hundreds, maybe thousands of women just like me who are saying this opportunity changed their lives. If they can do it, then why can’t I? Not to be cocky or anything, but I am kind of awe- some. And if I can get a classroom full of kindergartners to listen to me, I can definitely sell face wash and moisturizers.
“Fine,” I say after waiting a beat. “I’m in.”
“I knew it!” Her high-pitched cry blends in effortlessly with the rest of the room. “Say it, say it right now!”
“You’re worse than my students.” I roll my eyes, but my heart’s not in it. I’m still too jazzed from fucking Petunia Island. “You were right.”
And she was.
I lost count of how many excuses I came up with over the last three weeks to try to get out of this conference. I hadn’t been so creative since my college writing class. But for some reason, Nora didn’t buy the story about my nonexistent dog eating my keys.
Shocking, I know.
“I don’t know why you doubted me,” she says. “You should always listen to your principal.”
“Alright now.” I bump my shoulder into hers as we catch up with the sea of women exiting the conference room. “Let’s not get too cocky.”
“I can’t help it, I knew you were going to love this.” Her pale skin burns so red it almost matches her hair. “Just think about how much fun we’re going to have. Can you imagine us on
Petunia Island together? No talk of angry parents or state testing. Just you, me, the sun, and an endless supply of frozen margaritas? I think that’s what some would call paradise!”
I haven’t had a vacation outside of Colorado since I was twelve when we drove to Chicago to see my dad’s family. It was in the middle of a heat wave and our car broke down on the drive home. I still remember my dad cracking jokes trying to keep me laughing and my mom calm.
The next summer, he was gone.
“It would be amazing, but the extra income would be even better.” I tell her something she’s well aware of since she’s the person who hired me. “You should see how much I’ve already spent on classroom supplies this year.”
I posted my classroom wish list, it’s just that with the economy the way it is, people don’t have the funds to contribute. And when they do, kindergarten isn’t usually the top priority since people think we just take naps and finger paint all day.
Something I know couldn’t be further from the truth. Kindergarten is a child’s introduction into the education system. It’s up to me to set the foundation for the rest of their academic careers. When I accepted this job, I vowed to foster an excitement for learning and a curiosity that lasts a lifetime. And it’s hard to accomplish that in a room with blank walls and no school supplies.
“I get that.” Empathy wells in her eyes. She might not be in the classroom anymore, but she was in my shoes once. She understands my struggle. “I want you to know I wouldn’t have invited you this weekend if I didn’t think you’d absolutely kill it as a consultant. I’ve seen people make life-changing money after only a few months.”
After a weekend of watching testimonial after testimonial of women who were able to retire themselves and their husbands, I know she’s not exaggerating. I love my job and I definitely don’t have a husband, so retirement isn’t my goal, but it would be nice to teach without panicking about how I’m going to pay my student loans or go grocery shopping without obsessing over the price of eggs.
Whoever said growing up was fun lied. Adulting is a scam.
“Well you’ve convinced me.” I’ve been riding the teacher struggle bus for years now; maybe it’s time I try something new. “Show me where to sign up.”
“Oh my god!” She stops the flow of foot traffic to stop and hug me. “We’re going to have so much fun! Let’s hit up the hotel bar and I’ll buy you a drink while we get you all signed up.”
If I knew free drinks would be involved, I would’ve said yes weeks ago.
“Then what are we waiting for?” I loop my arm through hers as we weave through the crowd. “Let’s go order some serum!” I’d be lying if I said the skepticism wasn’t still lurking beneath the surface. I’m well aware there’s no way it’s as easy as they’ve pushed all weekend long. But it’s either this or become an Uber driver . . . and with the way my road rage is set up, nobody
wants that.
Anyways, it’s just a little skincare. How bad could it really be?

Excerpt. ©Alexa Martin. Posted by arrangement with the publisher. All rights reserved.
 

Giveaway: 1 copy of HOW TO SELL A ROMANCE by Alexa Martin, U.S. only

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Meet the Author:

Alexa Martin is the award winning author of Better than Fiction, Mom Jeans and Other Mistakes, and the Playbook Series. Her novels have been chosen by NPR and Amazon for the best books of the year and her work has been featured in Cosmopolitan, Entertainment Weekly, and NPR. Her first book Intercepted was optioned for tv/film with Starz and G-Unit Production. She lives in Dallas with her husband, four children, and German Shepherd. The Playbook Series was inspired by the eight years she spent as a NFL wife and her deep love of all things pop culture, sparkles, leggings, and wine. When she’s not dreaming up her next romance hero, you can find her catching up on whatever Real Housewives franchise is currently airing or filling up her Etsy cart with items she doesn’t need.

Buy now: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/747067/how-to-sell-a-romance-by-alexa-martin/