Maggie Blackbird

Book Hooks is a weekly meme hosted by Marketing for Romance Writers as part of the MFRW Authors Blog. Readers have the chance to jump from one author to another who share hooks from their current WIP (work in progress) or any previously published books.

For this week’s edition of Book Hooks, I give you a teaser from Dressed for Success, a May/December, interracial, contemporary romance.

Two wounded-in-love go-getters must decide if they’ll break their personal rule that cost them so much in the past by mixing business with pleasure.

Divorcée Bebe Boshey flees her Ojibway community for the city of Thunder Bay to begin anew, landing a great job that affords her an independent lifestyle she covets and a great condo. Best of all, her silver fox boss thinks the world of her. She can’t help her attraction to him, but office dating is a huge no-no.

Divorcé Alden Campbell is tired of spending his nights alone. And he’s also quite uncomfortable about his feelings for his ace real estate agent, Bebe. Even though they are strictly professional in their daily dealings, the sizzling chemistry ready to boil over between them is enough to shake him with fear, because he’s been there and done that.

While they’re on a business trip together, a crafty playboy pushes Alden into making a big decision that might cost him dearly—pursue Bebe and break his rule of business-only, or let Mr. Tall Dark and Handsome work his charm on the one woman Alden wants to call his own.

Genre(s):  Interracial, contemporary, May/December romance, adult.
Heat Rating: Level 3
Publication Date:  February 21, 2020
Publisher:  eXtasy Books

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When Bebe entered the dimly lit dining room, Alden was already there, seated with four men and two women. She breathed a sigh at the female presence. At least she wouldn’t have to listen to men talk all evening. The women were older, maybe in their late fifties, but good company was good company.

And much to her further relief, or maybe dismay, an Anishinaabe man with striking dark eyes stared at her as she approached the table. His hair was slicked back. A cleft in his chin. Well-groomed. Maybe around her age or a few years older. It was hard to tell.

“So you’re Bebe Boshey,” the man said as he stood. He motioned at the chair beside him. “I’ve heard much about you through the real estate grapevine. You got a killer saleswoman on your hands, Alden.”

The women smiled, and Bebe smiled back. She wasn’t sure what to make of the gorgeous man’s boldness. Instead of taking the chair beside him, she opted to sit beside Alden.

“If you don’t mind…” Bebe smiled at the man. “I promised the boss I wouldn’t upstage him.”

Everyone at the table laughed.

“Not at all.” The man grinned, arching a black eyebrow. “Gareth Pine. I’m east of the city. Just down the highway in Rocky River.”

“Oh, you’re from the reserve.” Bebe was aware of the Ojibway community a simple drive away, similar to Thunder Bay’s Thunder Mountain First Nation located on the other side of the Kaministiquia River that divided the city from the reserve. “It’s good to meet you.”

“Yes. Born and raised there.”

“You do your business in the Sault then?”

“Sure do,” Gareth replied. He had a voice smoother than a fine glass of scotch. “Are you from Thunder Mountain?”

“No. My home rez is farther north. South Spirit Lake. I moved to the city four years ago.”

“I’ll let you in on a secret. I personally came here to meet you.” Gareth’s eyes flashed with admiration. “You don’t meet too many Anishinaabe-kweg in real estate, or who’ve earned the reputation you have in such a short time.”

Alden cleared his throat. “Perhaps we should finish introductions with everyone else.”

Was it Bebe’s imagination, or had Alden’s interruption come out very dry?

Invitations flew around the dining table. Bebe made a mental note of connecting the names with the faces. The waiter arrived to take their orders. Soon, dinner was served. As Bebe settled into her chicken and rice, she couldn’t help letting her gaze linger on Gareth.

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