Spotlight & Giveaway: The Kissing Game by Marie Harte

Posted February 4th, 2020 by in Blog, Spotlight / 40 comments

Today it is my pleasure to Welcome author Marie Harte to HJ!
Spotlight&Giveaway

 

Hi Marie and welcome to HJ! We’re so excited to chat with you about your new release, The Kissing Game!

 

Please summarize the book for the readers here:

In The Kissing Game, Axel Heller fell in love with Rena Jackson at first sight. Ten months later, he’s no closer to convincing the woman to take a chance on him. But maybe that’s because he has yet to ask her out. Between his mother’s death, dealing with his abusive father and estranged brother, and keeping up with work, he’s been distracted. But when he finds out Rena intends to go in search of her own Mr. Right for Valentine’s Day, leaving him far behind, he’s frantic to be her man.
He bets her a kiss she can’t resist him. And the chemistry that’s always been there flares between them. With Valentine’s Day getting closer, Axel ramps up his wooing. Unfortunately, poor advice from friends, a demonic Chihuahua, a suspicious fire, and some too-handsome firemen are interrupting his attempts at seduction. But what Rena really wants he might not be able to give. Because Axel has secrets, and showing her the truth of who he is might scare her away for good.
 

Please share your favorite quote from the book

 

The teasing. He loved that she felt comfortable with him. “I…I want you to know that I will not use you for sex, or lie to you, or do things so you won’t trust me.” He held a hand over his heart, his pledge solemn. “And the truth is…” I love you.
She looked ready to bolt.

 

 

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

Axel had never given a better performance in his life. And that wasn’t the kiss but pretending he hadn’t been overly affected by the sexy woman in his arms. Good Christ, but she’d fried him. Totally ruined him for any other woman again, ever.
He’d never been as turned on from such a chaste kiss, and knowing she wanted more had made it all worse.
But this, letting her take charge to prove he couldn’t resist her? He surely deserved a medal for not throwing her up against the wall and fucking her until she couldn’t walk.
She kissed him, nibbling at his lower lip so that he opened his mouth, allowing her tongue to slip inside. The touch as she stroked against mouth lit him up like a supernova.
He moaned, unable to keep himself apart any longer, unable to pretend. His cock threatened to either break or explode, his body one giant nerve. Holding Rena felt better than anything he’d experienced. Though small, she had generous breasts and a gentle curve to her waist. And the rest of her… He swore to himself, doing his best to keep his hands on her hips and not knead that delectable ass. He shouldn’t use his thigh to spread her legs or stroke down her belly and delve under the panties hiding the very heat of her.
She hugged him tightly, her strong arms around his shoulders while she plundered his mouth. And plunder she did, conquering him with little effort.
When she broke the kiss, he wanted to drag her back for more. But a shout, glass breaking, and laughter from outside reminded him they kissed in a closet in Ray’s Bar, of all places. Making love to Rena the first time had to be perfect. That was if he hadn’t ruined everything by losing the bet—because she sure as shit proved he couldn’t resist her.
They parted, and he had to force himself to let her go, straightening to his full height.
Rena fluffed her hair, the golden curls so bright and bouncy, just like her. His heart ached at the sight of her, and he had to school himself to look tough.
And not like a dumbass grinning from ear to ear because he’d finally gotten to kiss the girl.
“Well?” she asked, breathless.
“What do you think?” he answered, sounding as if he’d swallowed a truckload of gravel.
She looked him over from head to toe and grinned. “I think I proved my point.”
“Ja, that you cannot resist me. So that’s two dates.”
“What?”
“I think you win is what I’m saying.”
“Wait. I win…two dates with you?”
“You’re irresistible.” He couldn’t help smiling at her puffed-up pride before she realized what he’d said.
“You admitted it. So I win.”
“As I said,” he agreed. “But also, you find me irresistible. We’re a pair.”
She tried to look stern and failed when she laughed. “Okay, we’re both amazing. You sure are good at kissing.”
“And other things,” he had to add, done with trying to play it safe. She flushed, and he did his best not to show his satisfaction. “We go out, yes? When?”
“Um, I don’t know.”
“Tomorrow.” He didn’t want to give her time to rethink things.
“Well, I guess.”
“Good. I come pick you up, and we go out.”
“I—okay.” She frowned up at him. “Has anyone ever told you you’re kind of pushy?”
“No. But I have been told I’m slow, that my speed isn’t what a woman wants, and I am not frightening in the least.”
Rena blew out a breath. “I didn’t mean that the way it came out.” At his look, she amended, “Maybe I did. I don’t know. You’re confusing. You act one way but… Never mind.”
She looked embarrassed, and he chuckled. “Yes, so irresistible when you mumble at the floor.”
She flashed angry eyes at him and, seeing his teasing smile, grinned back. “Well, well. There’s another side to Axel Heller after all. Okay, big guy. I’ll see you tomorrow. Gimme your phone.”
He did, and she added herself as a contact.
He felt as if he’d just won the lottery.
“My phone number and address are in there. Tomorrow at two work for you?”
“Ja. I’ll see you then.” He didn’t want to ruin anything, so he stole a quick kiss, committing her taste to memory. Then he left the closet and the party before he embarrassed himself, grinning like a lovestruck fool.

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.
 

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

That self-love and self-forgiveness are necessary to love someone else.

 

Thanks for blogging at HJ!

 

Giveaway: 1 Paperback copy of The Kissing Game by Marie Harte

 

To enter Giveaway: Please complete the Rafflecopter form and Post a comment to this Q: What’s the best Valentine’s Day gift you’ve ever been given?

 
a Rafflecopter giveaway

 
 

Book Info:

She’s one kiss away from finding Mr. Right!

Rena Jackson is ready. She’s worked her tail off to open up her own hair salon, and she’s almost ready to quit her job at the dive bar. Rena’s also a diehard romantic, and she’s had her eye on Axel Heller for a while. He’s got that tall-brooding-and-handsome thing going big-time. Problem is, he’s got that buttoned-up Germanic ice man thing going as well. With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, Rena’s about ready to give up on Axel and find some other Mr. Right.

At six foot six, Axel knows he intimidates most people. He’s been crushing on the gorgeous waitress for months. But the muscled mechanic is no romantic, and his heart is buried so deep, he has no idea how to show Rena what he feels. He knows he’s way out of his depth and she’s slipping away. So, he makes one crazy, desperate play…

“I bet you a kiss you can’t resist me.”
Game on.

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

Meet the Author:

Caffeine addict, boy referee, and romance aficionado, New York Times and USA Today bestseller Marie Harte is a confessed bibliophile and devotee of action movies. Whether biking around town, hiking, or hanging at the local tea shop, she’s constantly plotting to give everyone a happily ever after. Visit marieharte.com and fall in love.
 
 
 

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40 Responses to “Spotlight & Giveaway: The Kissing Game by Marie Harte”

  2. Mary Preston

    One year I received a dozen red rose bushes. The Mister figured they added up to a lifetimes worth of gifts. I accept that reasoning.

  3. laurieg72

    My husband and I both hate to shop so we don’t exchange gifts. We’ve been married for over 40 years. The best present I ever received was from my boyfriend my Junior year of HS. He gave me a beautiful scarab bracelet.

  6. janinecatmom

    Valentine’s Day is tricky for me as my birthday is 3 days prior to it so I usually get overlooked when it comes to a gift for Valentine’s Day.

  12. Amy R

    What’s the best Valentine’s Day gift you’ve ever been given? necklace

  14. Glenda M

    I’ve gotten some amazing gifts since Valentine’s is between my birthday and our anniversary. Even though I’ve told my hubby to just do one thing for all 3, he has always made a point to have individual gifts even when they are small things.

  16. dbranigan

    Probably the first bouquet of roses I received from the person who would turn out to be my husband on 40+years.

  18. dholcomb1

    my then-boyfriend, now husband, gave me a heart locket to go with the chain he gave me for the preceding Christmas.

  20. Lilah Chavez

    Truthfully, I’ve never had a good Val day present …. The hubby is very ummmm hmmm not great at taking hints as to what I like

  24. Barbara Bates

    Flowers,Chocolates,a beautiful card and a wonderful dinner from my husband. Love your books!

  27. Nicole (Nicky) Ortiz

    I don’t get Valentine’s gifts.
    Thanks for the chance

  28. Katrina Dehart

    My hubby took me to see Bon Jovi in concert for Valentine’s

  32. Shannon Capelle

    My husband bought me a mug with a picture of him and our 4 kids on it

  33. Lynne Brigman

    My husband gave me a diamond heart necklace to me on our very first Valentine day as husband and wife. It is still my favorite necklace that I have.

  34. Pamela Conway

    My favorite Valentines Day gift was flowers from my late husband.

  38. Charlotte Litton

    I got a basket full of all kinds of goodies, candy, little gifts and just sweet things.

  40. hendeis

    Glad to see that others admitted to not getting Valentine presents! Thought I’d have to create one! I did love those hand-made valentines my son brought home from school when he was young!