The Christmas Dare
Self-professed
Christmas addict Gia Dixon, and by-the-book Ethan Castle have been
best friends all their lives. When tragedy strikes Ethan’s family,
Gia’s the rock he depends on to pull him through the darkest days.
Then, a shared, long-forgotten memory leads to an unexpected yet
tender kiss. Can a simple Christmas dare help them find true love?
Excerpt
Funny
how times had changed, Gia thought to herself. How was it possible to
have gone all these years and not have thought of him romantically?
Yet now all she wanted to do was steal a minute alone to kiss him
again. Or more.
She saw
headlights coming down the road and opened the door, preparing to
walk out to meet him.
“No,
ma’am,” she heard Ethan call out. He was already getting out of
his Jeep and motioned for her to turn around and go back inside.
She was
unsure what to make of it, but did as he asked. Then she heard the
doorbell ring. Slowly she opened the door, and saw his smiling face.
She backed up a step to allow him to walk inside.
“We
may be taking things slow, but I’m still going to do it the right
way. When I ask you out on a date, I’ll park and come to your door.
If this were seven years ago and you were living at home, your dad
would have kicked my ass if he ever caught me letting you just walk
out to the curb to get in my car.”
Gia
could easily recall the many times her father had complained about
that when other boys had done it to her.
“How
right you are. My mistake.” She laughed. “From now on I’ll
expect to be courted properly according to the Henry Dixon Dating
Manual.”
“Besides,
stealing a quick moment alone behind closed doors gives me the
opportunity to do this.” He pulled her into his embrace to softly
kiss her.
When
their lips parted, she commented, “I don’t think Daddy had that
in mind when he made up that particular rule. But you score extra
points for showing initiative.”
About The Author
Joan
Chandler is a Florida native who has lived in the Deep South all of
her life. She is married with two children who are her pride and joy.
She lives a double life of sorts, holding down a nine-to-five job
during the day, and writing steamy romance at night—often with her
black cat curled up in her arms as she types.
When
she’s not spending her spare time working on her next novel, she
loves to go camping, sharing girls’ night out with her friends,
walking her two dogs, and watching football.
Joan can be found:
Twitter
account: @joanchandler1
Find me on facebook: Joan Chandler
Previously
published works are Perfectly Imperfect, and No Regrets. Both are
available at:
Be sure to leave a comment and your email address to be entered into Joan's giveaway. She is awarding a $25 Amazon or Barnes and Noble gift card, winner's choice, to a randomly drawn commenter and a $10 gift card to Bath and Body Works to a randomly drawn host.
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Thanks for having me today as your featured guest. I look forward to hearing from your followers. I will be at work part of the day, but am anxious to get back this afternoon to respond to any comments or questions. Have a great day!
ReplyDeleteGreat post Christina! I just bought my copy this morning and can't wait to read it.
ReplyDeleteGreat post Christina! I would love to buy a copy but it will have to wait till i find a job
ReplyDeleteI must read this book. It really does sound good. Thank you for the chance. Happy Holidays.
ReplyDeletecmucha319@yahoo.com
Okay, I am hooked. Love thisbook. Why the title?
ReplyDeleteFollowing :D
ReplyDeleteMissie25524 @ netzero . com
GFC following.. Thanks for sharing the great post
ReplyDeleteBeckeyWhiteATgmailDOTcom
Having fun following you to all these different blogs :-) Thanks for a great excerpt. Can't wait to read this book.
ReplyDeleteMom Jane asks why the title, and - without revealing too much - it has to do with the fact that these two people have grown up together and are best friends, yet they are fundamentally different in some ways. Gia is over-the-top about her approach to certain things, while Ethan tends to prefer to keep it simple. As they get into the Christmas season, she exhibits her usual compulsions about decorations, shopping, elaborate gift wrapping, etc. When she begins to stress over what to buy him, he challenges her with a dare to help her refocus on what is most meaningful about the holidays. Even though it is meant to simplify things, for her (being so accustomed to going overboard about the holidays) it is incredibly tough! But it does help her begin to think with her heart, not her head. And that is all I'll say about it! :)
ReplyDeleteI love the cover for this book - just perfect for a holiday romance. Thanks for the excerpt
ReplyDeleteThe excerpt sounds good will have to go on my to buy list.
ReplyDeleteleanna.hiner@gmail.com
Thanks for the great giveaway!
ReplyDeletemamamoss08 at hotmail dot com