Between Love and Hate
by AlTonya Washington
Cahlir Decker and Bizay Donneeter had an extraordinary involvement that resulted in more than either of them ever intended. Their connection went deeper than the sexual chemistry that sizzled to life between the powerful corporate consultant and the lingerie entrepreneur. At least, that was what Biz thought until their enjoyable time together ended when she woke one morning to an empty bed and no sign of Cahlir. Biz refused to acknowledge how deeply the man had wounded her-how deeply her feelings for him had grown in the short span of time they had known each other. She was angry and hurt and leaned on a fair amount of hate to survive. Not a bad plan until she received word that her family’s advertising firm was in trouble and that Cahlir was its new owner.
Biz didn’t have time to let fear register over the unexpected turn of events. Fear however, did eventually find its way to the forefront of her mind as did a healthy dose of suspicion. Did Cahlir know that she’d left San Diego pregnant with their child? What would he do when he realized she’d had their daughter and had kept her from him for four years?
Purchase Books by AlTonya Washington
http://www.amazon.com/AlTonya-Washington/e/B001JS2S7U
Excerpt: Between Love and Hate by AlTonya Washington
Biz had never considered herself a short person, but even in the stylish strappy heels, she felt exceptionally small next to Cahlir. He had placed both arms around her waist and held her close to his muscular frame. Biz rested her hands on his chest and enjoyed the scent of his cologne.
"I wonder how I missed you all night." She said, without realizing she had spoken aloud.
"Excuse me?" Cahlir dipped his head lower.
Biz leaned away from him, so she could look directly into his eyes. "I was just wondering how I missed you all night." She admitted.
A one-dimpled smirk crossed Cahlir's face. "Were you looking for me?"
"Well, not exactly, but handsome men interest me. Especially, when there's a brain to match. I make an extra effort to get to know them."
Cahlir's sleek, dark brows rose slightly. "You don't bite your words, do you?"
"Never," Was her simple reply.
If possible, he pulled her even closer. "Well, I'd appreciate the chance to show off my braininess by talking to you some more."
Biz nodded slowly. She took the arm he offered and they walked towards the balcony.
"So, besides being a good friend of my sister's, who are you?" Cahlir asked, once they stopped in the far corner of the balcony and leaned against the railing.
"Well, I've been in San Diego opening my second lingerie store. It's right next to one of Carla's nail salons. On a whim, I stopped inside one day and had my nails done. Carla was there at the time, we just started talking and here I am." She told him.
"You aren't from California, are you?"
"No, Atlanta."
"I figured."
A small frown clouded Biz's lovely face. "What? Could you detect my Southern drawl?" She asked, deliberately drawing out the last word.
Cahlir smiled in spite of himself. "Faintly."
"Mmm...well is there anything else you want to know?" She asked, tossing her head slightly.
Cahlir bent over the railing and looked up at her. "You seem pretty young to have opened two stores." He detected.
Biz nodded, acknowledging his statement. "Well, actually I'm in grad school for my MBA. During college, I worked in my family's company. Then, I decided I wanted something for myself, so I opened my first store. I've done pretty well with it."
"I'm impressed." Cahlir complimented. "So you’re a woman who knows what she wants."
Biz pinned him with a steady gaze. "I know what I want and I go after it."
The two of them stared at each other for a long while. Biz took a deep breath, and then shook her head as if to clear it.
"Well, now you know my life's story and then some. So? What about you?" She asked, her brown eyes narrowing slightly.
Cahlir turned and leaned back against the railing. "What would you like to know?" He asked.
Biz's slender shoulder rose in a lazy shrug. "Well, besides being Carla's little brother, who are you?"
"Well, I've already got my MBA." He playfully boasted. "Like you, I started my business before I got out of grad school. It's a consulting firm and my accountant says I should be proud."
Biz was intrigued. "Well, if you can retain an accountant, you should be proud." She agreed, clearing her throat. "So, uh-is there anyone to share your success?" She asked, hoping she had not overstepped.
Cahlir did tense a bit over the last question. His daughter and the divorce were two things he couldn’t bring himself to discuss, though he found Biz very easy to talk to. "There's no one right now." He finally told her.
"I find that very hard to believe." She noted.
Cahlir shrugged. "It's true. I think I'm involved with my business more than anything else."
"That can't be any fun." Biz told him, her voice very low.
"It's not." Cahlir admitted, his silvery eyes narrowing.
Strangely, Biz found herself sensing sadness in the man. He seemed to be fighting against something, and was failing miserably. She thought she could see shades of regret in the striking silver depths of his eyes. Deciding that it was not her place to question his mood, she fixed him with a bright smile and nudged his arm with her shoulder.
"How about we go check on that soup?" She suggested.
Cahlir offered her his hand and they went back inside.
The caterers had just set out a piping hot tureen of the creamy creation. Cahlir and Biz were like two starving people as they filled their soup bowls to the rim.
"Would you feel comfortable taking this up to Carla's den?" He suggested.
Biz smiled at the way he phrased the question. She saw that behind his incredible face and body, his manner had a thoughtful, mellow quality. It was a trait she found very appealing. Very appealing indeed.
"Just show me the way." She said.
( Continued... )
© 2015 All rights reserved. Book excerpt reprinted by permission of the author, AlTonya Washington. Do not reproduce, copy or use without the author's written permission. This excerpt is used for promotional purposes only.
Purchase Between Love and Hate by AlTonya Washington
http://www.amazon.com/Between-Love-Hate-AlTonya-Washington-ebook/dp/B00VIFP0YM
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/between-love-and-hate-altonya-washington/1121530327
Intimate Conversation with AlTonya Washington
AlTonya Washington has been a published romance novelist for 10 years and is a two time winner of The Romantic Times Magazine Reviewer's Choice Award. In addition to being an author, AlTonya also works as a college Reference Librarian. Writing as T. Onyx, AlTonya has also crafted a string of very popular erotica titles. Her long-running and popular Ramsey/Tesano romantic suspense series will soon conclude. "Lover's Origin: Black Island", "A Lover's Return" and "Book of Scandal: The Tesano Elders" will mark the last three titles in the saga.
BPM: How did you get to be where you are in your life today? Who or what motivated you?
Hard work and persistence. I recall the early submission letters sent to BET Arabesque. Being consistent in my follow-up correspondence with editors is what I believe got me noticed. From there it was the hard work put into forming my titles that completed the task of getting their interest. Diligence and discipline were the other pieces that proved instrumental in getting my writing contract as well as a degree in library science which is my other passion. I suppose the sense of accomplishment is what truly motivates me.
BPM: Who does your body of literary work speak to? Do you consider authors as role models?
My body of work speaks to adult readers who enjoy a good, dramatic story with a dynamic mix of multi-dimensional characters. I suppose authors are the best role models for other authors.
BPM: What inspired you to sit down and actually start writing this book? Why now?
I wrote Between Love and Hate long before I had my first writing contract. The idea came to me at a time when the term ‘male-bashing’ was first being tossed around. I make a point of not doing that in any of my stories (unless it’s with a villainous secondary character ?) I wanted to create a story where both characters were equally endearing, yet guilty of mistakes that I attempted to display equally in amount and magnitude.
BPM: What did you enjoy most about writing this book?
I enjoyed the dynamic between the main characters Cahlir Decker and Bizay Donneeter especially in their roles as parents.
BPM: Where do your book ideas come from? Are your books plot-driven or character-driven? Why?
The ideas can come from ANYWHERE!! I’m as avid an observer as I am a reader. I enjoy observing others and wondering what their stories could be. Even a phrase or the look one character might share with another in a movie can motivate me to want to delve in and explore the meaning behind such actions.
BPM: Could you tell us something about your most recent work? Is this book available on Nook and Kindle?
Between Love and Hate is available everywhere. Cahlir Decker and Bizay Donneeter had an extraordinary involvement that resulted in more than either of them ever intended. Their connection went deeper than the sexual chemistry that sizzled to life between the powerful corporate consultant and the lingerie entrepreneur. At least, that was what Biz thought until their enjoyable time together ended when she woke one morning to an empty bed and no sign of Cahlir. Biz refused to acknowledge how deeply the man had wounded her-how deeply her feelings for him had grown in the short span of time they had known each other. She was angry and hurt and leaned on a fair amount of hate to survive. Not a bad plan until she received word that her family’s advertising firm was in trouble and that Cahlir was its new owner.
Biz didn’t have time to let fear register over the unexpected turn of events. Fear however, did eventually find its way to the forefront of her mind as did a healthy dose of suspicion. Did Cahlir know that she’d left San Diego pregnant with their child? What would he do when he realized she’d had their daughter and had kept her from him for four years?
BPM: Give us some insight into your main characters or speakers. What makes each one so special?
What makes our hero Cahlir Decker so endearing is the fact that he’s a wounded hero despite his alpha tendencies. The death of his first child is a scar he can’t hide. Our heroine Bizay Donneeter endears herself to us in how determined she is not to be hurt. She’s so determined that she winds up being hurt because of the lengths she goes to in hopes of protecting herself from it.
BPM: Are there under-represented groups or ideas featured in your book?
If so, discuss them. I would suppose our little four year old doll Olivia Donneeter would represent that category. Parents don’t always stop to think of how actions can affect the child when they are so young. I believe we as parents believe that; so young, perhaps the child is unaware of all that’s going on around them. That is so often NOT the case.
BPM: How does your book relate to your present journey?
As a parent I’ve had and continue to have to make choices that will have a direct impact on my child. It’s not always an easy existence, but I wouldn’t trade being a mom for anything.
BPM: Did you learn anything personal from writing your book? Can you share some stories about people you met while researching this book?
A lot of my ‘research’ came from within-from where I’ve grown in my role as a parent. I started this book before I became a parent and the amount of personal knowledge I’ve gained since that long ago time is unbelievable!
BPM: What were your goals and intentions in this book, and how well do you feel you achieved them?
I wanted to create a well-rounded story balanced with the mistakes and triumphs (lessons learned) on both sides. I believe I accomplished that.
BPM: What projects are you working on at the present?
“Lover’s Origin: Black Island”; which is a novella/prequel for the upcoming “A Lover’s Return”, will be releasing in March.
“A Lover’s Return” will release fall of this year. I am currently celebrating the release of my latest Kimani title “Embrace My Heart”.
BPM: How can readers discover more about you and your work?
Visit with me at: www.lovealtonya.com or www.alsreaders.com
Books by AlTonya Washington
http://www.amazon.com/AlTonya-Washington/e/B001JS2S7U
Connect Online with AlTonya Washington
www.lovealtonya.com
www.alsreaders.com
www.twitter.com/Ramseysgirl
www.altonyasblog.wordpress.com
www.facebook.com/altonyaw
Pearl Page: Audio Postcard for Bookclubs
$79.00 Per Campaign, pay here.
Thank you for listening to this fantastic book preview! This audio-postcard presentation was created by Ella Curry of EDC Creations Creations Media Group. We offer the best in book publishing publicity! Visit the main EDC Creations website today to explore the many services we offer small business owners, event planners, authors and publishers at: http://www.edc-creations.com/publicity.htm We have several packages that will take your products to the top!
Create a Pearl Page Like This One in Minutes! Got a ebook or a new printed book...let us tell the world it's available! Reserve your own personal audio book preview page today and your Pearl Page will be ready for syndication in 3-5 days! Let us share your message with our database for the next 3 months. The bookcover (with link to bookseller) is showcased on Black Pearls Magazine front page sidebar for 3 months too.
Turn your speakers on and click the links. View samples of our various types Pearl Pages:
PP 1, PP 2, PP 3, PP 4 and PP 5
Pearl Pages are emailed to more than 165,000 readers of the EDC Creations newsletter, played on BAN Radio Show 3 times in 3 months and promoted via our mobile bookclub. View here. What a way to share your audio-visual introduction with readers! Fee: $79.00 for complete webpage and audio. Make all payments at the EDC Creations Payment Center, go here today. We look forward to sharing your information with our network! Ella will email instructions within 24-48 hours.
|
