I’m so excited to announce the release of my latest novel from Dreamspinner Press. I spent seven years working in the Northern California wine industry, and I finally got a chance to write a book about a winemaker. I’ll admit that the research for this book consisted mainly of drinking wine and a few visits to Napa, the rest is based on my own experiences. So if you’re ready for a sizzling summer read full of romance, wine and a dash of angst, this is the one for you.

I’d like to give you a big sip of this delicious book, with the full text of Chapter One available online. (Another excerpt here (NSFW))

Simon Ford’s success is hard-won. He grew up in Napa and resents the rich people who have moved into the valley, changing the culture by opening boutique wineries and pricing the locals out of the market.

Austin Kelvin runs an award-winning winery his father started after making a fortune on Wall Street. He lives the posh lifestyle Simon resents but secretly longs to attain. However, Austin’s world isn’t as luxurious and privileged as it seems: he didn’t inherit his father’s business savvy, and his winery is going under.

When Simon’s boss sends him to covertly scope out Kelvin Cellars for a possible takeover bid, Simon sees it as a step toward attaining his financial dreams. Until he falls hard for Austin. The feeling is mutual, but when Austin learns the real reason for Simon’s initial interest, he suspects Simon’s seduction is merely a means to procure the winery at a bargain price.  If there’s any hope of winning Austin’s heart, Simon will have to risk it all to prove Austin is more than just an intoxicating crush.

Now that Delectable book 3 An Intoxicating Crush is all done and galley-proofed, I’m turning my attention to future Delectable books. Who would you like to see as a main character? Please take my quickie poll. Feel free to write in an answer or leave a comment.

An American who goes to Japan to become a sushi chef? A private chef who wants to do more than cook for his employer? A chef who discovers he’s somehow falling for the Gordon Ramsey “fix-it” reality chef who’s brought in by the restaurant owner? Or would you like to read more about a couple in one of the earlier books in the series?

How about a combination of two characters listed in the poll? The possibilities are endless, which is why I need your help to focus my ideas.

[Leave a comment to be entered to win the e-book version of a title in the series]

[polldaddy poll=”7182560″]

Win a copy of An Intoxicating Crush by taking a book trivia quiz

A standalone title in the Delectable Series, coming July 10 from Dreamspinner Press.

Score 50% or higher and you are entered to win a signed PRINT copy.

Score below 50% and you’re entered to win an e-book.

More about CRUSH

TAKE THE QUIZ

Simon Ford’s success is hard-won. He grew up in Napa and resents the rich people who have moved into the valley, changing the culture by opening boutique wineries and pricing the locals out of the market.

Austin Kelvin runs an award-winning winery his father started after making a fortune on Wall Street. He lives the posh lifestyle Simon resents but secretly longs to attain. However, Austin’s world isn’t as luxurious and privileged as it seems: he didn’t inherit his father’s business savvy, and his winery is going under.

When Simon’s boss sends him to covertly scope out Kelvin Cellars for a possible takeover bid, Simon sees it as a step toward attaining his financial dreams. Until he falls hard for Austin. The feeling is mutual, but when Austin learns the real reason for Simon’s initial interest, he suspects Simon’s seduction is merely a means to procure the winery at a bargain price.  If there’s any hope of winning Austin’s heart, Simon will have to risk it all to prove Austin is more than just an intoxicating crush.

Read an excerpt from CRUSH

Stay tuned for these stories coming out over the next few months:

An Intoxicating Crush (Delectable #3) featuring a Napa winemaker and a wine financial analyst.

Venus Envy — a Roman god gets on Venus’s bad side and risks losing the mortal he’s fallen in love with while under a curse.

New Tricks — a first-time BDSM novella

Emerald: Rewriting History 1 — On the eve of an important exhibition opening, a museum curator is reunited with his ex, who’s suspected of being an elusive international jewel thief

Sex, Lies & Wedding Bells — a newly edited and revised version is on the way, thanks to popular demand.