The idea for Betting Brenda came out of my love for reality dating TV shows, especially The Bachelor. While the setting is a reality TV show, the story is about more than that. Brenda Bartolomeo is a risk taker and I love that she isn’t afraid to go after what she wants. In Betting Brenda, she wants Caleb Smith, a man with commitment and trust issues.
When Caleb first meets Brenda, he has a case of instant lust. Despite his lust, he tries to stay away from her, but she doesn’t make it easy. She always is around him and she challenges him. Brenda makes Caleb question the way he’s been leading his life and, with the help of his brother, she makes Caleb realize just how much he’s been missing out on.
Sometimes, we all need that little nudge. It helps to have someone, like Brenda, who pushes you outside of your comfort zone. How boring would life be if we never took chances? What opportunities would pass us by simply because we didn’t want to be uncomfortable for a little while?
Giveaway:
In my life, my husband is the one who gives me the nudge. Who challenges you? Comment below to enter a drawing for an ebook copy of Betting Brenda in the format of your choice.
Blurb:
Brenda Bartolomeo wishes, for once in her life, that she’d been able to say no to a bet. Because of her latest bet, she’s on reality TV show, “Man of Your Dreams,” appearing as if she’s desperate for a date. She’s not sure her life could get more embarrassing. Brenda has no intention of staying on the show and falling in love. Then she meets the bachelor’s brother, Caleb, and all her plans change.
What’s a man to do with a woman who can’t say no? Bet her.
Caleb Smith uses Brenda’s weakness against her to keep her on the show. He bets her that if she stays on the show, she’ll fall in love with his brother. He soon discovers he made a mistake. If Brenda has her way, his days as a bachelor may be over.
Excerpt:
“Are you trying to pull out of our bet?”
He placed a hand over his heart. “I wouldn’t dare.”
“Good. You had me a little worried.”
“Don’t be. I’ll make good on it.”
He leaned against the counter and watched her work. She tried to focus on the pancakes, but having him that close made her nervous. It also made her brain wander to all of the extracurricular activities she’d like to do with him. If he was looking to get sweaty, she could help him and it would be more enjoyable than the gym.
“Seriously though, three locations wouldn’t be out of the question by the time this show is over.”
“I can only dream,” she said, lost in her fantasy.
He bumped his hip against hers, making her jump and drop the spatula.
“Sorry. I didn’t mean to distract you.”
If he only knew. “You didn’t. I guess I’m a little tense right now. I’ve been standing in front of the stove for awhile.”
He picked up the spatula, washed it, and handed it back to her. “Remember what I said. Your dream will come true. I have a feeling about this.”
“I hope you’re right,” she said, even though she had a sneaking suspicion that they were talking about two different things.
She placed a pancake on the stack she had piled high on a plate and almost collapsed at the feel of a hard chest against her back and two strong hands kneading her shoulders. She held onto the counter to keep from falling.
“You don’t mind, do you? You said you were tense.”
“No. Go right ahead. It feels good.” So good. She wouldn’t mind if his hands did a little exploring. Did he realize what effect he was having on her?
Buy links: Amazon, Barnes&Noble, iTunes
Leave a Comment