Spotlight & Giveaway: Savannah’s Salvation by Louise Lennox

Today it is my pleasure to Welcome author Louise Lennox to HJ!

Hi Louise and welcome to HJ! We’re so excited to chat with you about your new release, Savannah’s Salvation!

 
Hello Loves!
 

Tell us about the book with this fun little challenge using the title of the book:

Savannah’s

S-Secret Baby
A-Afro-French Alpha
L-Lurking Blackmailer
V-Vulnerable Heroine
A-Adorable Daughter
T-Toe Curling Love Scenes
I-Indescribable Love
O-Oui s’il te plaît
N-Never Alone Again

Please share the opening lines of this book:

My fiancé wants me home in D.C.
But, every day at noon, for the past fourteen days, I’ve come to Rome’s Piazza Navona to sit my thick ass on thin iron chairs.
Inside brightly colored cafés, I sip countless macchiatos and spy on one man.

Please tell us a little about the characters in your book.

The Hero (Michael Asara) is a Black Frenchman, His family is from Senegal, but he was born and raised in Paris with a silver spoon in his mouth. He’s a French movie star but wants to transition to head of his family’s billion-dollar wine and spirits company. But, despite being wonderful single dad under heartbreaking circumstances, his father still doesn’t know if the former playboy is ready for the responsibility.

The Heroine (Savannah Fraser) is a director for the CIA. Beautiful, capable, and tough-she spent eight years in the field as an undercover CIA agent. Her college sweetheart and fiancée died at the hands of police brutality five years before the start of the story. She’s still grieving and determined to never love again when she meets Michael.

Please share a few Fun facts about this book…

• It’s set Washington D.C. and Paris. Two of the greatest cities in the world!
• When Michael and Savannah visit the Élysée Montmartre one romantic night in Paris, they recite lines from The Roots and Erykah Badu hit “You Got Me.” The song references the venue, and it is one of my favorite songs!
• This book has a hint of all my favorite tropes: secret baby, single dad, a bit of blackmail intrigue, family drama, and yes, a billionaire!
• Michael often speaks French to Savannah when he flirts and his native tongue of Wolof when he wants to straight-up seduce.

What first attracts your Hero to the Heroine and vice versa?

My Hero is attracted to her “beautiful ballsy nature.” She calls him an asshole at their first meeting, and he deserves it! No woman has held him accountable in a very long time…and he likes it.

My Heroine is attracted to his face, body, and swagger. Michael looks like her favorite supermodel from back in the day-Tyson Beckford. It’s been years since she’s been with a man. One taste won’t hurt…right?

The First Kiss…

On the dance floor with Miguel’s “How Many Drinks?” playing in the background. It’s frenzied and full of heat. But it’s expected… anticipated. Which makes it even hotter!

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

Definitely that first kiss on the dance floor. It sets the tone for the incredibly hot one-night stand that follows. A night that changes both their lives forever.

Michael Asara would be played by Regé-Jean Page. Because let’s be honest that Black Brit SCREAMS Hot AF!
Savannah would be played by Issa Rae. Because when I think of Savannah’s look, I think of Issa.

Snippet Below:
The DJ switches to Miguel’s “How Many Drinks,” and I’m ready to have Savannah close to me and alone on the dance floor. I’m not a patient man, and I’m proud of myself for holding out this long. I step out of the booth and hold out my hand.
“May I have this dance?” It’s only a few seconds, but Savannah’s hesitation feels like an eternity. Finally, she relents, throws back another shot, and allows me to help her out of the booth. My wood hardens in anticipation of being close. But I don’t want to spook her, so I command my body to behave.
“All right,” she stumbles slightly as she comes out the booth and both her hands land on my chest. She looks up at me with those piercing eyes.
“Mr. Asara I can answer the question Miguel is asking before we even start.”
I smirk. “OK, Savannah… tell me. How many drinks would it take you to leave with me tonight?”
She smiles and bites her lip. My no-nonsense CIA director has now turned into a slightly less serious vixen. And I am here for all of it. “One more shot of that delicious Patrón should do it.”
Her flirtation pleases me. Tonight, will be fun. I lean over and pluck one of the unused shots from the table and hand it to her. “By all means, have one more.”
When we reach the dance floor, I am relieved when her body invites me in. I wasn’t sure if I read her signals correctly, but she does indeed want to be next to me as much as I’m desperate to be next to her.
Savannah presses her soft body into mine, and I get the sense that she wants to lose herself for the night. I’m no gentleman, so I slowly lower my hand to the top of her ass. She sinks further into me and I tighten my embrace. When she perfectly presses her head against my chest, I have the overwhelming desire to kiss the top of her head. She fits perfectly underneath my chin. She feels like she belongs here.
“We sway to Miguel’s hypnotic beat and move as one. The chemistry between us starts a fire when she moves her hands seductively up and down my back. I press her body with a firm squeeze to signal my intentions. Pulling away, I tilt her chin up with my thumb and forefinger and look into the dark brown pools of heat that are her eyes. As I do, her lips part slightly. Her breaths are soft and speedy pants.
Taking a deep breath, I dive in for a kiss.
She started the night tough as nails, but right now she is putty in my hands.
She was right… it only took one more drink to get her to leave with me…

If your hero had a sexy-times play list, what song(s) would have to be on it?

• African Sugar bye Tayc and Tiwa Savage
• Versace on the Floor, Bruno Mars
• Bad Habits, Maxwell
• l’amour et la passion, Fanny J
• Feenin’, Jodeci
• Bad As She Wanna Be, Karizmatic
• What’s It Gonna Be, Busta Rhymes Feat. Janet Jackson

If you could have given your characters one piece of advice before the opening pages of the book, what – would it be and why?

I would share the Senegalese Wolof Proverb: The heart is not a knee that can be bent.

Because Both Michael and Savannah think they can control love by keeping their hearts at bay. If they don’t let go and open up, they will lose each other!

What are you currently working on? What are your up-coming releases?*

My upcoming Kiawah Kisses Series! Book One, “Merry Kiss Me” is already out! Books 2-4 release this summer. the series blurb is below:

A Lowcountry Love is Limitless…

The Carolina Lowcountry is better because the Kiawah Kisses: Symone, Tara, Nicole, and Keisha, rule the Sea Islands from their restaurant and local haunt, “The Haint.” This summer each friend will reconnect with a Gullah hometown hero and learn to love again.

From the sexy judge just trying to protect the cautious divorced mom Tara from an abusive ex and dangerous hurricane…to the ex-NBA player who wants a second chance with his first love, Nicole – this small-town romance collection guarantees to bring you a whole lot of love, steam, and of course, a happily ever after.
 

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Giveaway runs from May 31-June 4th 2021!

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Excerpt from Savannah’s Salvation:

Michael

Merde, je suis baisé…

I know I am pussy whipped when I chant Savannah’s name like a prayer of salvation. Dragging myself back from the edge of sanity, I exhale.
Never have I experienced a climax like this before. It feels like the joining of two souls.
Damn, that sounds lame. But it’s true.
Five minutes later, I’m still lying on top of this amazing woman, out of breath, out of witty things to say, and out of time. I’m a coward. I’ve laid here past the acceptable amount of post-sex crush and cuddle minutes because I’m scared to face her. Scared to let myself need her.
Attachments are the last thing I need. I need to focus on being a good father and impressing my father with this deal in America. Women like Savannah are a distraction. Panic is also gripping me because I fucked her with no condom. I didn’t plan on fucking tonight or at all during this trip. But here I am, totally ruined by this beautiful woman.
It’s like I learned nothing from my tortuous Eve situation. Maybe my father is right, my judgement is shit. But I just couldn’t stop. I was too far gone. Plus, unlike Eve, Savannah doesn’t strike me as the blackmailing for money type. She’s got too much to lose.
I shift slightly, but she continues to stroke my back. Eventually, I roll over to my side and drape my arm across her tight stomach. I need to say something.
“Thank You, Savannah.”
Wait… What… Who says thank you after sex? She’s going to think I’m a creep.
She chuckles. “OK… well, I guess you’re welcome. And thank you too. You know you weren’t the only one that got a much-needed release.”
I shake my head and sigh. “That didn’t come out right. What I mean to say is, tonight was amazing… that you were amazing.”
She drapes an arm over her eyes as her breathing slows. She shifts her arm slightly and opens one eye. There’s a teasing smile on her lips
“You know you don’t have to impress me, right? This was just great sex, Michael. I will not analyze everything you say later to figure out if you really like me. It’s a one-night stand… no worries.”
Normally I would be ecstatic to hear a woman talk like this. But tonight, I’m a little put off.
“Well, that’s good to know.”
My bruised feelings keep me from looking her in the eye. Instead, I look up at the ceiling before I speak again. I decide to keep it light.
“I was sweating harder than an antelope in the Sahara, trying to figure out what to say to you. I don’t want any trouble. This is my first time sleeping with a government-sanctioned weapon.”
Savannah sits up and throws a pillow at me as I burst into laughter.
“Hilarious!” She shrieks. “You’re laughing, but I really could kick your ass. You’d be on your back before you ever got a lick in.”
My head shakes. “I disagree, I got quite a few licks in a few minutes ago, and you were putty in my hands. I hate to tell you this, special agent, but against licks, your defenses are shit.”
“Michael Asara, you’re a smart ass. But I should probably expect such banter from an international playboy.”
“Yes, you should. I decided long ago if I had to be an ass, I’d rather be a smart one.”
She giggles softly. It’s the sweetest sound I’ve ever heard. “Can you be serious for one moment? Who are you really? I know you said you are a movie star in France. But how big are we talking here?”
I chuckle, shake my head, and sit up against the headboard. She does the same.
“Well, you know how big Brad Pitt is here? I’m like that in Europe and most of Africa.”
“Oh.” Her mouth makes a perfect O, and I’m tempted to move in for a kiss. Instead, I trace her lips with my finger. Her eyelids get heavy, but she shakes it off.
“So, what are you doing in America? Shooting a movie? What’s it about? Oh, and who else is in it?”
I reach out and touch her arm. “Hold on, my little spy. Quid pro quo. You ask a question, and then I ask one. No more one-sided interrogations.”
She nods reluctantly. She must not be in the habit of talking about herself or answering anyone’s questions.
“OK, go ahead then.”
“All right.”
My hand strokes her thigh gently, hoping it relaxes her. I want to ask her why she really hasn’t had sex in five years. I want to know what happened that makes her hard and aloof. What man do I need to kill for breaking her heart? But if I start there, she’ll clam up. I don’t even know why I care, but something about her draws me in.
“How long have you been working towards your promotion?”
Relief washes over her face. The job must be a safe topic.
“I’ve been in the CIA for thirteen years, so I guess you could say since day one. But this is only a pit stop to my goal of becoming director of the entire agency.”
I raise my eyebrows in surprise. “Has a woman ever run the agency before? How old are you?”
“Yes, but never a Black woman. So, I want to be the first. And I’m thirty-five.”
Wow. “Well, that would be quite the statement, a Black woman running American intelligence abroad. Maybe there won’t be any more American-supported coups to destabilize African countries with you in charge.”
She turns slightly to face me and crosses her arms.
“That’s a bold thing to say to someone like me, Mr. Asara. You need to do your research. The CIA hasn’t engaged in that kind of covert activity since the end of the Cold War.”
I raise my hands in defense. “I meant no harm. America is great. But let’s be honest, African countries have caught hell because of American intelligence and interests.”
“Yes, well, let’s also admit that America has aided many African countries in war and famine. Not to mention, we’ve taken out a few genocidal dictators.”
I chuckle. “Yes, you have, but also for America’s interests. Let’s not pretend that your country is a strictly benevolent force. I refuse to believe you are that naïve about the land you pledge to defend and protect.”
Her eyes shoot daggers at me. I’ve struck a nerve.
“Look asshole, it’s hard being the world’s police force. I’m not saying we always get it right, but we try. And I believe in our mission. What do you believe in… Money, cash, and hoes?”
I squeeze her knee. She thinks I’m shallow and that I’m not on her level. But she does not know the king she’s dealing with. How could she? I don’t have time to taste her… tame her… ruin her for all other men, I only have tonight. I’ve hurt her feelings. It’s time to make amends.
“You’re right, I shouldn’t have gone there. Forgive me. Come, let’s lighten things up. Ask me something.”
She narrows her eyes for a moment, but finally relaxes.
“Ok, I’ll re-ask my first question. What are you doing in America?”
“Oh yes, you asked that. No, I’m not making a movie. My family owns the Sa Joie beverage company. I came to America to close a deal with a major American beverage company on behalf of my father.”
She studies me quietly. “Which American company?”
“Well, I secured the deal, so I can’t tell you that. Wait until we go public. I wouldn’t want you buying stock off my information.”
She slaps my shoulder. “I am not an inside trader, crazy. But I love Sa Joie. It’s my favorite champagne. I did not know it was Black owned.”
I nod. “Yes, for three generations. And I want to keep it that way. My father wants to sell it to investors after he retires, which will probably end its Black ownership. He thinks I’ll run the company into the ground.”
“Hmmm, because you’re an irresponsible celebrity playboy?”
I clear my throat at her frankness. “Well… yes, I suppose I was. But now, I’m getting too old for this lifestyle.” I also have a six-year-old daughter who I love and take care of full-time.
But I don’t tell her that.
I never tell the women I meet about Gabrielle because I never keep them around for more than a tryst or two. I don’t want women running in and out of Gabrielle’s life, and I also don’t want anyone thinking they can use my daughter to get closer to me.
I’ll introduce Gabrielle to someone if the right woman comes along, but it’s not like I’ve been looking for my soul mate. But right now, looking into Savannah’s eyes, I want to tell her everything. I would if I didn’t know that she is even more eager than I am to keep this light. Talk of soccer practices and my kid’s dairy allergy is the exact opposite of light.
Savannah laughs, and her eyes dance with mischief. “How can you say that with a straight face? You are at peak celebrity playboy right now. You’re in bed with a naked woman that you picked up from a lounge and will never see again.”
But what if I want to see you again?
“In my defense, I only came out because my cousin dragged me out. If I was still a playboy, I would have fucked that bartender in the back of the club and left with a groupie… or two. Instead, I was intrigued by a CIA agent that called me out on my shit.”
I move closer to her and tentatively stroke her hair. “I wanted to touch you the moment I saw you. You’re magnificent.”
A small sound escapes from the back of her throat, and I land a kiss behind her ear.
“Um…” she hesitates and shifts away. “It’s your turn to ask me something.”
I take a deep breath. I know she’s nervous about the spark between us. But she need not worry. I can’t offer her more than one night, even if I wanted to. I want her to relax again, because there’s no way I’m not making love to her again before we depart.
“Why has it been so long for you? You called me out about my sexual escapades. What about your lack thereof?”
Her face turns into sadness, and my hands tense. Who hurt you, Savannah?
Several moments pass before she talks.
“My fiancé died five years ago, and I haven’t been with anyone else since.”
Shit! That is not what I thought she would say. Tears pool in her eyes, and I pull her into my lap without thinking.
“Savannah, I’m so sorry. I didn’t know. You don’t have to talk about this if you don’t want to.” I kiss the side of her head. She sniffs and sighs.
“No, it’s okay. I never talk about it, but I probably should. It seems easier talking to you.”
She wraps her arms around my neck and speaks in a quiet whisper.
“His name was Geoff. We met in college, and he was wonderful. We were engaged. But six months into the engagement, he was shot and killed…” She takes a beat and a breath to gather some strength. “Shot and killed by the police.”
I hide my shock and outrage. She needs me to be steady if she’s going to talk about this.
“What happened?” I speak in the most even tone I can muster.
She shrugs and sniffs. “You know the story, or maybe you don’t because you live in France. It was a routine traffic stop that went horribly wrong.”
“The cop stated Geoff was speeding, but they later proved that he wasn’t. Geoff reached over to pull out his ID and registration from the glove compartment, but the cop ordered him out of the car. Geoff was a well-known civil rights attorney. He fought for human rights every day after he left the service, so he damn sure knew his own. He asked the cop why he was being stopped. When the cop didn’t provide it, Geoff asked for his badge number.”
“The cop didn’t like him mouthing off and told him to turn and place his hands on the top of his vehicle. Geoff refused and tried to call 911. When he tried to pull out his cellphone, the cop tackled him, claiming Geoff had a weapon.”
Savannah takes in a deep breath, and I want to tell her to stop. She doesn’t have to relive this trauma for my benefit. But she seems determined to soldier on. She spits out the rest of the story without so much as a blink. Her beautiful eyes look up at me, but she’s no longer present. It’s like she’s gone back… there.
“The cop wrestled him to the ground and shot him. Just like that. Later he lied and said that Geoff tried to pull his gun from his holster. Fortunately, there was footage. My father is a senator and former police chief, so he believes in the thin blue line. But he hates corrupt cops. In the end, the system did not serve justice. Even though the police union admitted it was a tragedy that cop didn’t see one day in jail.”
“They killed my Geoff, and all the city offered was eight million dollars… not even a genuine apology. I still haven’t touched a dime, and I won’t. Geoff’s life can’t be settled out of court.”
“I just wonder how many other families deal with this kind of thing with no advocate in the Capitol. It made me appreciate the work Geoff did even more. I don’t blame the police; we need good cops to keep our communities safe. But I blame the system of inequity and injustice in which we ask them to serve. I also blame the trigger-happy Georgetown cop who decided a Black man’s life wasn’t worth caution and respect. I blame the courts that let that bastard get away with murder.”
“So, I dedicated my life from that moment on to equity and justice, even at the CIA. And now, here I am with an amazing promotion and opportunity to impact the world’s system, but I no longer have the only man that ever gave a damn about what I think or feel. I don’t have Geoff.”
When she finishes talking, her tears flow, and I hold her through every one. I even shed a few myself. I cry for her fiancé and all my brothers across the world who have died at the hands of inequality. The system forced this amazing woman to live through a nightmare.
In this moment, I wish there was a way to guarantee the rest of her days are happy and full of love. If there was any such thing as true justice, her nights would be pleasurable and carefree even as she dedicates her days to the fight for freedom and equality on an international scale. I wish I had whatever it takes to be the man who could bring her fully back into the world. But I’m not that guy and never will be.
Tonight, I will hold her tight. I will kiss the top of her head and rock her to sleep. And then if she needs me to, I will make her forget all her troubles again with an orgasm or two. For the first time in a long time, I want to see the woman I’ve touched and tangled with in the morning light.I want to ensure she leaves better than she came. She will leave my bed wearing nothing but a smile so I can claim; I’m the one that put it there. Even if it is only for one day.

Excerpts. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.
 
 

Book Info:

For one night, I lived the fantasies of a million women…

Michael Asara
Billionaire. Movie Star. A beautiful predator determined to consume me.

He’s the infamous Afro-French king of Dakar and Paris.

My time with him shouldn’t matter, but it does. Because one night left me with so much more than a good time.

I fled without a good-bye. And planned to never look back.

Until the CIA needs me in Paris.
Circumstances force me to tell Michael my best kept secret.

Already a devoted dad to a little girl who was abandoned by her gold-digging mother, Michael isn’t looking to get burned twice.

Unless that fire is between the sheets, where our chemistry is off the charts.

Reconnecting and proving to him that I’m not like everyone else quickly has Michael staking his claim.

For a moment, we’re almost like a real family.

Then our happily ever after is threatened…

He vows to do anything to protect us…even if that means letting me go.

Savannah’s Salvation, is a hot, steamy, international, contemporary romance featuring a strong, smart heroine and the cocky billionaire who steals her heart. Download today and get ready to fall in love with your next favorite book boyfriend.
Book Links: Amazon | B& N | iTunes | Google |
 
 

Meet the Author:

Contemporary romance author Louise Lennox is a hopeful romantic writing steamy romances full of heart and healing.

A Spelman College and Georgetown University graduate, Louise provides women with diverse and meaningful representation in romance novel pages. Not seeing enough women like herself headlining positive love stories, she launched #HappyBlackRomance; a community of readers and writers committed to the creation and sharing of positive romance stories featuring Black heroines.

Louise Lennox plots highlight the joys of Black relationships across the diaspora; pushing readers from all cultural backgrounds to admire them for their strength and downright sexiness. In her novels sparks always fly; the sex amazes; and the characters always leave the world better than they found it through their love.

When she’s not writing, Louise is enjoying her work as a school leader, wife, and mother of the two cutest dragons to ever walk the earth!

To learn more about #HappyBlackRomance and to score a free book or two, check out her website www.lovelouiselennox.com.
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