Title: Before Summer Ends by Susan Mallery
Publisher: Harlequin Special Edition
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 288 pages
Summary:
Susan Mallery, #1 New York Times bestselling author, delivers a charming, uplifting story about second chances and found families.
A long, hot summer with her secret crush…
What could possibly go wrong?
Nissa Lang knows Desmond Stilling is out of her league. He’s a CEO, she’s a teacher. He’s gorgeous, she’s…not. So when her house-sitting gig falls through and Desmond offers her a place to stay for the summer, she vows not to reveal how she’s felt about him since their first—and only—kiss.
Desmond should’ve known better than to bring temptation into his house. He decided long ago that his best friend’s sister was too sweet, too good, for him. She deserves a guy who can give his heart. For her sake, he’s stayed away. But as her laughter breathes life into his lonely mansion, he’s not sure how long he’ll be able to resist.
From Harlequin Special Edition: Believe in love. Overcome obstacles. Find happiness.
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Purchase Links: Amazon * B&N * Harlequin
Excerpt #7
“She can stay with me,” he said. “There’s plenty of room.”
“That’s what I said. You have what? Twelve bedrooms?”
“Eight.”
At least he thought there were eight. Maybe it was ten. After his initial tour of the house before he’d bought it, he’d never much gone exploring. He used his bedroom, his home office and the media room. The rest of the house didn’t interest him.
“So that’s a yes?” Shane asked.
“It is. I’ll get in touch with her today and find out when she wants to move in, then I’ll let my housekeeper know and she’ll get a room put together.”
“Thanks, bro. I appreciate it. You’re doing us both a big favor. So let’s go out on your boat sometime soon.”
“I’d like that.”
“I’m on call for the next two weekends, but after that.”
“Let me know what days work for you. We’ll have fun.”
“Thanks for helping with Nissa.”
“Anytime.”
They talked for a few more minutes, then hung up. Desmond glanced at his computer. But instead of rows of numbers, he saw Nissa in her prom dress, earnestly thanking him for offering to take her to the dance at her high school. He’d been in the first year of his MBA program then, having finished his undergraduate degree in three years. He’d flown up from Stanford to be her date.
At the time, he’d been doing a favor for a friend, but the second he saw her, everything changed. Gone was the preteen who had tagged along whenever he’d visited. In her place was a beautiful woman with big eyes and a mouth he couldn’t stop staring at, and later kissing.
But nothing more. No matter how much he’d wanted to take things to the next level, he’d known he couldn’t. She was the only daughter of his surrogate family. He loved and respected the Langs too much to betray their trust in him. So he’d done the right thing and had firmly put Nissa in the friend column, where she had stayed. And would stay.
Author Bio
#1 NYT bestselling author Susan Mallery writes heartwarming, humorous novels about the relationships that define our lives-family, friendship, romance. She’s known for putting nuanced characters in emotional situations that surprise readers to laughter. Beloved by millions, her books have been translated into 28 languages. Susan lives in Washington with her husband, two cats, and a small poodle with delusions of grandeur. Visit her at SusanMallery.com.
Author Links: Website * Facebook * Twitter * Goodreads * Instagram
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Thank you for featuring this! Sara @ TLC Book Tours
My pleasure!