Wednesday, March 21, 2018

Book Hooks: The Gazillionaire and the Virgin -- #EroticRomance #Tropes #MFRWHooks

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Sometimes I’m inspired by the desire to be contrary, to break the rules, or at least twist them beyond recognition. That was the genesis of my BDSM erotic romance The Gazillionaire and the Virgin. I was so very tired of the billionaire Dom / innocent virgin trope made popular by Fifty Shades of Grey that I decided to turn all the stereotypes on their heads.

In my novel, the heroine is the one with the big bucks, while the hero is the poor virgin. Furthermore, far from being dazzled by Rachel’s wealth, Theo views her affluence with deep suspicion. Although they’re strongly attracted to one another, they are by no means a natural couple. The novel chronicles their rocky road to their HEA.

Here’s the blurb, and then a short snippet to hook you. This bit is PG. If you want a more lengthy, X-rated excerpt, see my post from lastSunday. As it happens, I’m giving away a copy of the book to one person who comments on the Sunday post.

Oh, and do go visit the other authors who are participating in today's blog hop. You'll find their links at the end of this post. 


Blurb

Trust can’t be bought—it has to be earned.

When Silicon Valley entrepreneur Rachel Zelinsky meets reclusive genius Theo Moore, she finds him strangely compelling. Theo is both arrogant and socially awkward, but he has an aura of power that speaks to Rachel’s carefully-hidden submissive side. Disturbed and aroused, she tries to focus on her original objective—a deal to incorporate his Artificial Intelligence software into her company’s popular virtual world. Rachel’s not a woman who lets pleasure interfere with business, but for some reason, she can’t resist Theo’s geeky appeal.

Theo Moore can’t be bought. His past battles with poverty make him deeply suspicious of the billionaire CEO. Still, with her voluptuous curves and brilliant mind, Rachel embodies his ultimate sexual fantasy. Too bad his knowledge about sex derives from extensive research and a stash of kinky porn rather than real-world experience.

That doesn’t bother Rachel, however. In his bed—in his arms—in his bonds—she discovers the bliss of total surrender. Rachel may be Theo’s first lover, but Theo is Rachel’s first true Master—and the first man to truly touch her heart. It seems that love may harmonize their differing goals and values, until Rachel’s unwitting violation of Theo’s trust threatens to tear them apart forever.


The Hook

He’s dressed as if for a funeral, in a black suit, white shirt and dark necktie. The style’s a decade old and the fit leaves much to be desired. The jacket is baggy and the pants are tight. Not that I really mind the latter—I enjoy the sight of his thigh muscles flexing under the stretched fabric as he descends—but I know from last time how great he looks in clothes made to order. I make a mental note to have my tailor whip up a couple of new suits for him. Theo won’t like it, but I think I can convince him that he needs to present a more polished image as CEO of Code in the Hood.

Max opens the rear door of the limo. Theo flinches away.

Hi, Theo!” I lean out to wave. “Nice to see you!”

He scowls at me. “You’re twelve minutes late. I thought you’d changed your mind.”

Sorry! It’s a rather a long way from Santa Cruz, a bit hard to predict the travel time. I probably should have called. Traffic on 101 was even worse than usual…” I’m babbling, his presence making me giddy. “Anyway, why would I change my mind?”

He doesn’t answer, just stands there shuffling from one foot to the other as Max waits patiently.

Get in, Theo. Please. We’re headed up to the city. We’ve got a reservation. We need to get started.”

He shoots Max a dubious look. “I’m not sure I want to go. I thought… I thought it would just be the two of us.”

Don’t mind Max. He’s just the driver. I thought it would better to be chauffeured, so that we could concentrate on talking.”

Talking? Is that what you have in mind?” I still hear irritation in his voice, but he does climb into the limo to settle down next to me.

Ah, well—among other things.” For some reason I’m blushing. I gesture to Max in the front seat. A smoked glass privacy pane slides up to block his view of us. “Is that better? Now you can forget he’s even there.”

Hmm.” Fumbling in his jacket pocket, he fishes out a scrap of paper, which he thrusts in my direction. “Here. The CIH account number you wanted.”

Excellent! I’ll set up the transfer first thing Monday…” Our fingers touch as I take the note. That minimalist brush of skin on skin sends heat roaring through me. I suck in my breath. My nipples pebble under my jacket. Thank God he can’t see them. I think I’d dissolve in embarrassment.

Theo spears me with a curious gaze. “Is something wrong, Rachel?”

No, no. I’m fine.” I tuck the paper into my purse, then force myself to meet his eyes. “I’m very glad to see you, Theo.”

His stiff posture softens a bit. “Me too.” He sweeps his gaze over my form. “You look – well – just beautiful.” Before I know what’s happening, he reaches out to engulf my small hand in his much larger one. He gives me a squeeze. “I’ve missed you,” he says, almost inaudible.


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Be sure to visit the other MFRW authors!

7 comments:

Kayelle Allen said...

I like the way he softens toward her. Very nice!

Janet Lane Walters said...

I'm enjoying the excerpts. Enjoying her attempt to be cool. Love the switcheroo.

Kris Bock said...

When billionaires are no longer enough! :-D

Daryl Devoré said...

I thought I was only only one bored with the dominant billionaire theme. My billionaires aren't dominant - just rich - lol.
Great excerpt.
tweeted.

Anonymous said...

Their inner lives is so very different than the outer. This sets up some great internal conflicts, such as the one she shows in this scene.

Mary Marvella said...

How intriguing! It reminds me of an old movie.The guy was a construction worker. I think the heroine wanted him as her model. Fred MacMurray and Claudette Colbert, I think.

Helen Henderson said...

Sometimes it is fun to be contrary.

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