Spotlight & Giveaway: Miles and Miles of You by Jennifer Bonds

Today it is my pleasure to Welcome author Jennifer Bonds to HJ!

Hi Jennifer and welcome to HJ! We’re so excited to chat with you about your new release, Miles and Miles of You!

 
Hello, and thank you so much for having me!
 

Please summarize the book a la Twitter style for the readers here:

When his executive assistant quits to become a travel influencer, tech billionaire Miles Hart will do whatever it takes to win her back, even if it means tagging along on a cross-country adventure in a 1970’s airstream with only one bed.
 

Please share the opening lines of this book:

I love my job.
I silently repeat the words like a mantra as my boss, Miles Hart, scrolls through his phone, doing God knows what.
Probably checking his Insta feed.
I tighten my grip on the stylus I’m holding, if only to avoid throwing it across the desk. If I had a dollar—hell, a quarter—for every time I’ve had to repeat myself during these daily briefings, my student loans would be a thing of the past and I wouldn’t have to choose between my Starbucks habit and paying rent.

Please share a few Fun facts about this book…

• This book is a love letter to road trips, diners, and all the kitschy goodness that is Route 66.
• Lucy’s capsule wardrobe has only 15 articles of clothing…including her panties.
• K-Pop fans will adore Lucy’s playlist, even if Miles doesn’t.
• Lucy’s hamster, Gizmo, is larger than life and plays a pivotal role in the story.
• Each place Miles and Lucy visit is inspired by a real Route 66 attraction.

What first attracts your main characters to each other?

Oh, I love this question. Lucy has been crushing on her boss Miles for nearly two years, because, despite the fact that he’s oblivious and has a clear problem with commitment, he’s well-intentioned and has a big *heart*. For his part, Miles is clueless to Lucy’s infatuation. It isn’t until she quits her job and they set off on Route 66 that he starts to see the woman behind the dutiful assistant facade, which makes for fantastic banter and all the awkward exchanges as they adjust to living in close quarters.
 

Using just 5 words, how would you describe your main characters”love affair?

Hilarious, steamy, slow burn romcom.
 

The First Kiss…

“Do you want me to touch you, Lucy?”
Her breath hitches, and the question hangs heavy in the air between us. The seconds tick past, one after another, and my pulse thrums a steady beat as I wait for her answer.
“Yes.”
There’s a surety in her words, a certainty that has me responding purely on instinct. No thought, just need. I tangle my fingers in her hair, wrapping the soft strands around my hand as I draw her in close. She leans forward—no hesitation—and when our mouths collide, hers soft, warm, and welcoming, it’s both a blessing and a curse.
Because I know deep in my gut that one kiss, one night, will never be enough.

Without revealing too much, what is your favorite scene in the book?

Okay, so I have a LOT of favorites from this book, but here’s a snippet that perfectly depicts the kind of banter and shenanigans you can expect from Miles and Lucy without giving away too much.

“What the hell is this?”
I turn from Gizmo and find Miles staring in wide-eyed horror at the clothesline I’ve strung between the wardrobes.
“My clean laundry.” There’s a note of pride in my voice, and why not? I’m killing it today. It’s not even eight, and I’m showered, dressed, and I’ve hand-washed my dirty clothes like a pro. Day three of tiny living, and I’m already hitting my stride.
Eat your heart out, Miles.
I’m so winning this bet.
“Why are there panties hanging up in the kitchen?”
There’s a note of incredulity in his words, and I give it right back. “Because my pants are in the shower.”
I swear, he looks like he’s going to have an aneurysm.
Over freaking panties.

If your book was optioned for a movie, what scene would be absolutely crucial to include?

During their road trip, Miles convinces Lucy to let her followers choose their next destination and it’s definitely not what she’s expecting.

I never should have let Miles talk me into this. What the hell was I thinking letting the internet choose our next destination?
Everyone knows the web is full of trolls, bullies, and people who think they’re a lot funnier than they actually are.
Which is why we’re standing in front of a tacky little motel called The Love Shack, a pink-and-white mid-century monstrosity with a red neon heart on the sign.
Did I mention it also looks like the kind of place you can rent by the hour?
“No way.” The sun has nearly set, but the heat remains oppressive, and a bead of sweat forms between my breasts, sliding down my abdomen. “We cannot stay here.”
This is all Miles’s fault. If he hadn’t touched my face and said all those swoony things about my eyes, I would’ve been able to think rationally. And rational Lucy?
She definitely would not have agreed to this.

Readers should read this book …

If you’re looking for steamy romcom with ALL the tropey goodness, this one’s for you! Still not sure? Check out this list!

• Bet
• Forced proximity/Only one bed
• Boss/Employee
• Opposites attract
• Grumpy sunshine
• A hilarious road trip adventure
• Gizmo Gonzalez Fan Club (IYKYK)

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

I’m currently working on edits for the second book in The Harts series, which will feature Miles’s older (colder) brother Nick, and I’m absolutely loving it! I’m also working on the third book in my Waverly Wildcats series, Scoring Sutton. (If sizzling sports romance is your jam, definitely check out the Wildcats!)

Thanks for blogging at HJ!

Giveaway: A signed copy of Miles and Miles of You. (Digital book will be substituted for international winners.)

To enter Giveaway: Please complete the Rafflecopter form and Post a comment to this Q: Wanderlust has got me in its grip, so today I want to know, what’s your favorite thing about road trips OR your favorite road trip destination?

 
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Excerpt from Miles and Miles of You:

Lucy’s gaze locks on the luggage at my feet and her umber eyes go round. “Why do you have a suitcase?”
I flash her a winning smile. “I’m coming with you.”
Her jaw drops, revealing a row of straight white teeth, but she recovers quickly, snapping her mouth shut.
“No.” She shakes her head vigorously. “Absolutely not.”
I’d expected resistance, but I’ll win her over. I always do.
Not always.
I wouldn’t be in this mess if that were true.
“What do you mean ‘no’? This was your idea,” I remind her. “You’re the one who said ‘watch me.’ I’m just taking you up on the offer.”
Her mouth opens. Then closes. Then opens again.
I wait a beat, but still no words come. She’s literally speechless.
That’s a first.
“I need your help. If the only way to get it is to join you on this little adventure,” I say, nodding toward the camper, “then so be it.”
“Little adventure?” she echoes, planting her hands on her hips. “There’s nothing little about what I have planned.”
“Of that, I have no doubt.”
But if life has taught me anything, it’s that having dreams and making them reality are two very different things. My brothers and I poured everything we had into Triada, knowing full well that success was a long shot. And while I believe Lucy can achieve just about anything she sets her mind to, I’m not convinced her life’s dream is to be a travel influencer.
Hell, I’m pretty sure she plucked the idea out of thin air that day in my office.
“What about Triada?” she challenges, eyes glinting with triumph. “In the two years I’ve worked for you, you haven’t taken a single vacation.”
Has it really been so long since I took time off?
Focus, Hart.
“Who said anything about a vacation?” I wink at her. “I can work remotely. All I need is my laptop and hotspot.”
The little skeptic arches a brow, and I chuckle.
“Okay, fine. I need you too.” That, at least, earns me a smile. Thank Christ for small favors. “Besides, I want to be there when you come to your senses and ditch this ridiculous plan.”
Annoyance flashes across her face, but it’s gone in an instant.
“You’re serious?” She pinches the bridge of her nose. “You really mean to join me on this trip?”
“Yes.” Despite the fact that I’m going to catch hell from my brothers when they find out.
Ask forgiveness, not permission.
It’s a mindset that’s always served me well.
“And you think this is a better solution than simply hiring a new assistant?” she asks, words dripping with sarcasm.
“Hell, yes.”
The corner of her mouth twitches at my obvious desperation, but I let it roll off my back. The only thing that matters now is her answer. Our eyes lock and she stares at me for a long moment, probably weighing her options and the outcome of each.
Meticulous, as always.
I’d expect nothing less.
“All right,” she finally says, voice taking on a sly edge. “I’ll let you tag along. If you agree to travel as I do. No upgrades. No five-star hotels. No Michelin star restaurants.”
That’s it? The lack of strings is a pleasant surprise.
“Done.” I snort. “What kind of snob do you take me for?”
“The kind whose shoes cost more than my monthly rent.” Lucy laughs, and it’s a light, airy sound reminiscent of better days. Days when I wasn’t up to my ass in problems.
“I mean it.” She jabs a finger in my direction. “The whole point of this trip is to show real people travelling on a budget. The world doesn’t need another Lifestyles of the Rich and Photoshopped brand designed to make the masses feel inferior.”
“Fine.” After the week I’ve had, I’ll agree to just about anything. “How hard can it be, anyway?”
“For a guy used to room service and luxury accommodations?” She smiles up at me sweetly. “I imagine it’ll be impossible.”
The hell it will. Despite my current wealth, I’m no stranger to rough living conditions. I may enjoy the finer things in life—who doesn’t?—but I don’t need them to survive.
“I didn’t get where I am by caving under pressure.” I lean in close, pitching my voice low. “I can handle it. Can you?”
Indignation flares in her dark eyes. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
“It means,” I say, choosing my words carefully, “that I don’t think you’ll last two weeks.”
“Ha.” Lucy crosses her arms. “I won’t last two weeks? You won’t last two days without your gourmet coffee and Egyptian cotton sheets.”
“Want to bet?”

Excerpts. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.
 
 

Book Info:

Get on board with @SoSavvyTraveler!

Lucy Gonzalez might have once been a stressed personal assistant, but now she’s hitched up her grandma’s bitchin’ vintage Airstream and is hitting the road with all the best places to find cheap eats and see the sights on a shoestring budget.

And she has company along for the ride. If those thirst-worthy abs seem familiar it’s because they belong to billionaire Miles Hart. True story, he used to be Lucy’s boss until she quit on him. Something about not being appreciated? Anyway, you will appreciate Miles—and his groveling—plenty on this trip.

Now, you have front row seats to the hottest trip of the year. Sparks! Fireworks! Unexpected smooching! And you won’t want to miss the jaw-dropping surprise that will make this destination totally worth the hilarious journey…
Book Links: Amazon | B&N | iTunes | Goodreads |
 
 

Meet the Author:

Jennifer Bonds writes sizzling contemporary romance with sassy heroines, sexy alphas, and a whole lot of mischief. She’s a sucker for enemies-to-lovers stories, laugh-out-loud banter, and over-the-top grand gestures. Jennifer lives in Pennsylvania, where her overactive imagination and weakness for reality TV keep life interesting. She’s lucky enough to live with her own real life hero, two adorable (and sometimes crazy) children, and one rambunctious K9. Loves Buffy, Mexican food, a solid Netflix binge, the Winchester brothers, cupcakes, and all things zombie. Sings off-key.
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