A little Jane for the Holidays: Holiday Man

Holiday Book Event 2014 copyThe holidays are fast approaching and it seems like an ideal time to indulge in our favorite thing at Austen Variations, share our variations on Jane Austen’s works.

 

 



 

I hope you all had some tea & a treat in celebration of Jane Austen’s birthday yesterday!!

In my contemporary romance, HOLIDAY MAN, Shannon Quinn is the small-town girl who runs “Holiday Quinn” — a holiday-themed inn and resort based in scenic Door County, Wisconsin.

One winter evening, wealthy Minneapolis businessman, Bram Hartwick, blows into town along with the fast-falling snow. The sparks Bram and Shannon create succeed in heating up the chilly Midwestern night, not to mention plenty of holiday weekends in the year that follows… But is their relationship for special occasions only? Or might it be the elusive everyday love that neither of them thought could be found?

Hope you’ll enjoy this little peek into Bram & Shannon’s love story!

***
Bram pulled into the Holiday Quinn parking lot at 6:47 p.m. Christmas Eve, turned off the car engine and opened the driver’s side door, taking several fortifying breaths of the wintry air.

xmas treeThe scent of snow mingling with pine grounded him in the moment. And the flashing holiday lights, which surrounded the inn with color and brightened up the dark December sky, reminded him that it was, in fact, supposed to be a time of celebration.

He’d been on the road much of the day, driving with a feeling of nervous anticipation usually reserved only for big corporate takeovers or long sit-down conversations with his father. Since it had been several years since he’d experienced either, the tense edginess that had been lurking inside of him all day could only mean one thing: Shannon.

He wasn’t a man prone to doubting himself or second guessing his decisions, but he’d been mentally running scenarios for hours about how it would go seeing her again after nearly two months apart. Would they fall right back into the patterns they’d begun when they first met…or had that only been an illusion? How well did they know each other really? And was he a fool to care so much about what she thought of him? Or to imagine that they had a shot at a life together?

Bram didn’t know the answers to any of these questions, but he was determined to find out once and for all.

He stepped out of the car, grabbed his bag and, with determined strides, marched toward the front entrance.

It was like the movie set of Holiday Inn come to life. When he walked inside, it seemed as though they’d imported the soundstage for the film and transplanted it to eastern Wisconsin.

Guests milled around the lobby like cast members, dressed in cozy winter garments and sipping cups of cocoa with candy canes as stirring sticks.

Snowflake clings adorned every window and the soft sounds of “White Christmas,” complete with jingling bells, played in the background along with the hum and chatter of the happy couples.

There was a hint of peppermint in the air (from the candy canes, no doubt) melding with the scent of pine from the large Christmas tree in the corner. A beautifully decorated blue spruce, lavishly trimmed with tiny white lights and silver and gold ornaments.

Bram saw an angel in white atop the tree, complete with gossamer wings, a fur-lined cloak and glinting silver sequins…but he knew the real angel was dressed in a red sweater and standing behind the front counter, checking in the guests.

“Ah. Hartwick, you’ve returned,” Jake the Prick said coldly.

The chill from behind him made Bram shiver as he turned to stare down the guy. He gave his best attempt at a Machiavellian scowl. “Yes,” he said slowly. “Yes, I have.”

There was something different about Shannon’s pain-in-the-neck assistant this time, though, Bram realized as Jake stared back. He couldn’t quite pinpoint what it was, but he felt a definite undercurrent of change behind Jake’s expression. Almost as though the assistant knew something that he felt gave him an advantage. Jake looked bolder as a result.

The mask is fully off. The jester has gone into fighting mode.

Bram intensified his glare at the other man and watched as Jake’s green eyes twinkled with a brighter light of cunning than he had ever seen.

One side of The Prick’s mouth quirked upward. Then, as if laughing at an inside joke that Bram wasn’t in on, the assistant said, “Hope you’ll enjoy your final stay.” There was a significant pause. “Of the year.”

candy cane heartsBefore Bram could respond, he heard his name. He looked up and saw Shannon waving to him from behind the counter. When he glanced back at Jake, he found that the other man had disappeared. Odd.

He walked up to Shannon. It’d been too long since he’d last seen her in person. Not that he’d forgotten anything, just that she was more vibrant, more alluring than even he had remembered. He had to tell his heart to slow down, force himself to take deeper breaths before he could speak.

“It’s good to see you, Shannon,” he managed. “Very good.”

She didn’t reply at all at first. She just smiled at him. That was enough.

Then, finally, she said, “It’s good to see you, too.” She fiddled with the computer for a moment before handing him his keycard. “The Astaire Suite is waiting for you.”

He took the plastic card from her, caressing her hand in the process. He could see her pause. Hold her breath. Swallow a time or two. A line was beginning to form behind them. He knew he had her attention for only a moment more.

“When will you be free?” he asked in a low voice.

“Ten-thirty,” she murmured. “The evening events should be over no later than that.”

Bram picked up his few items and leaned across the counter until his head was only a few inches from hers. “Until then, Shannon.”

***


 

Perfect Pair boxed set - NEWI hoped you liked getting a taste of HOLIDAY MAN! FYI, the book is on sale for only $2.99 at Amazon and B&N this month! 🙂  I also have a holiday sale in progress for my modern Austen-inspired boxed set, THE PERFECT PAIR. It’s just $4.99 and it includes *both* Pride, Prejudice & the Perfect Match *and* Pride, Prejudice & the Perfect Bet. So, if you’re looking for a great reader gift (x 2!!) for Austen lovers or romantic comedy fans that’s under $5…check ’em out!

 

48 comments

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    • Barbara on December 17, 2014 at 1:01 am
    • Reply

    Thank you very much for this great idea. Merry Christmas to everybody!!!

    1. Merry Christmas to you, too, Barbara!

    • Ruth Clapp on December 17, 2014 at 1:24 am
    • Reply

    There are Darcy and Lizzy paper dolls? I need them! and not for my grandchildren, but for ME! Maybe I will give them to a child after I play with them.

    Merry Christmas!

    Ruth

    1. The paper dolls are cute, aren’t they?!
      Wishing you a Merry Christmas, Ruth!

  1. I love Holiday Man! Ah, Bram…he makes me do that uncontrollable socially awkward giggly melting thing. lol You know the thing.

      • Monica P on December 17, 2014 at 7:25 am
      • Reply

      I think I have all the books (except for Jack’s of course which I look forward to adding to my collection) and the magnets, but any of the other prizes would be fab. Thanks so much!

    1. Monica,
      Ever since you dubbed this story “Holiday Abs,” I can’t help but mentally call it that, too, LOL.
      And you know Bram luuuuvvvvss you! 🙂

    • Kathy Wallace on December 17, 2014 at 2:00 am
    • Reply

    This is a real Holiday treat!

    1. So glad you think so, Kathy! Thank you 😉 .

    • Anji on December 17, 2014 at 2:16 am
    • Reply

    I’ve finally got around to commenting on this oh-so-generous giveaway! What a lovely Christmas treat from you all, thank you.

    Although I already have quite a number of the books, there’s some lovely other goodies here.

    If I don’t get the chance to say it again (shouting):

    MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL OF YOU!

    1. Shouting back (so you can hear me across the pond) : MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU, TOO, ANJI!!!!!! 😀
      May the New Year bring only wonderful things your way!

    • Megan on December 17, 2014 at 2:51 am
    • Reply

    Thank you for having this amazing giveaway! I hole everyone has very Happy Holidays!!

    1. Hope you have very Happy Holidays as well, Megan!!

    • Mari on December 17, 2014 at 5:27 am
    • Reply

    I must admit that I love the paper dolls! I have been a fan of them since childhood. Now I just look at them though. I see some books on here that I don’t have and I am hoping there will be a big sales event soon. Although I buy year round, I stock up when there is a sale. Hint hint.

    1. Mari,
      Absolutely! What’s not to love about book sales, right?!
      I can’t speak to anyone else’s sales schedule, but I can say that Holiday Man and The Perfect Pair are currently on sale for a limited time… And on Amazon and B&N worldwide, The Sweet Temptations Collection is $2 off the reg. price. 🙂

  2. This one sounds very good. There seems to be something afoot that he was just beginning to pick up on. I have read The Perfect Pair. I enjoyed them. It is very exciting the books you are all offering as gifts.

    1. Patty,
      Thank you so, so much! I’m thrilled you enjoyed The Perfect Pair stories and delighted that you liked this snippet from Holiday Man. Makes my day to hear that! 🙂

  3. I grabbed Holiday Man. Looking forward to reading the rest, Marilyn, and finding out what sneaky Jake is up to.

    1. Sophia,
      Thanks SO much for picking up a copy of Holiday Man! I’ve got my fingers crossed that you’ll like it!! And YES…beware of Jake. He’s a cunning guy, LOL. 🙂

    • BeckyC on December 17, 2014 at 9:27 am
    • Reply

    So much holiday cheer all in one place. Thank you for the giveaway.

      • BeckyC on December 17, 2014 at 9:47 am
      • Reply

      I am in US and already own Twelfth Night, P Celebrations, Darcy Proposal, Darcy Pledge and What would Darcy Do.

    1. Becky,
      You’re most welcome!
      Thanks for visiting and adding to the holiday cheer 😀 .

    • Irene K on December 17, 2014 at 10:17 am
    • Reply

    Love all things Jennie Austen or better known as Jane Austen. I wish I had no other responsibilities than reading, studying, enjoying her literature, her time period, her family and all that has come after.

    1. Irene,
      You’re in good company! I think there are many of us here who wish we could do nothing else but read & read some more — esp. JA’s books and other novels that reflect her themes 😉 .
      Happy Holidays!

    • Surani on December 17, 2014 at 11:28 am
    • Reply

    1995 miniseries paper dolls! Cool!

    1. Surani,
      I thought so, too!
      Glad you stopped by to comment ;).

    • Michele gray on December 17, 2014 at 12:12 pm
    • Reply

    Awesome giveaway. Merry Christmas to u all.

    1. Thanks so much, Michele!!
      Merry Christmas to YOU <3 .

    • Laura on December 17, 2014 at 12:14 pm
    • Reply

    Us resident – thanks for the giveaway! Would love any of these books

    1. Laura,
      You’re welcome for the giveaway! Thanks for visiting!!

    • tgruy on December 17, 2014 at 12:14 pm
    • Reply

    I want everything!

    1. LOL, tgruy! Don’t we all?! 😀
      Happy Holidays!

    • Carole in Canada on December 17, 2014 at 3:44 pm
    • Reply

    Wishing all of you a wonderful Christmas and Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year with lots of reading!
    Loved the excerpt Marilyn! Thanks for letting us know it’s on sale too. I do have your ‘Perfect Pair’ in e-books and loved them.

    Thank you all for the wonderful giveaways! I love paper dolls too since I was a child so would love to win those! The prints of Jane Austen sound very intriguing too. As does everything else.

    1. Carole,
      THANK YOU! I’m so pleased you loved the Holiday Man excerpt! And thanks as well for your kind comments about Perfect Match/Bet 😉 . xo
      Wishing *you* the merriest of Christmases and may 2015 bring only good things your way!

    • Chanpreet on December 17, 2014 at 5:15 pm
    • Reply

    These prizes are a Janeite’s dream! Good luck to everyone!

    1. Thanks, Chanpreet!!
      I’ve got my fingers crossed for everyone — I know there will be lots of winners 🙂 .

  4. This looks good! I want to know the secret that Jake the Prick is in on!

    1. LOL!!
      Thanks, Jessica!
      Yeah, that Jake…he’s got a devious streak 😀 .

    • betsy on December 18, 2014 at 6:40 am
    • Reply

    Going to write the names of all of these books down for Santa! Thank you!

    1. Betsy,
      You’re welcome! Thanks for stopping by…and I hope Santa brings you a few of these treats 😉 .

    • Lori on December 18, 2014 at 1:38 pm
    • Reply

    Merry Christmas!

    1. Merry Christmas to you, too, Lori!!
      🙂

    • Melody Gonser on December 18, 2014 at 5:03 pm
    • Reply

    How cool is this. Thank you. USA. I appreciate your having this giveaway. Hope you have a Happy Holiday Season.

    1. Melody,
      You’re most welcome!
      Wishing you a very happy holiday as well & all the best for 2015 🙂 .

  5. Am I too late to enter? We have never seen the cut our Darcy and Elizabeth sets before! How fabulous, Happy New Year xxx

    1. Mr. Darcy Dating (love your screen name!), you’re definitely not too late to enter the Rafflecopter! There is still about a week left before the last of the prizes are drawn 🙂 . Good luck & Happy New Year to you, too!!

  6. The excerpt is entertaining and wonderful, Marilyn. I hope I win my choice of books but nevertheless the giveaways are fabulous. I wish you all a very Happy New Year!

    1. Lúthien, you are so kind and encouraging…as always!! Thank you for your lovely comment — I’m thrilled you enjoyed the Holiday Man excerpt! — and may you have the very happiest New Year, too! 🙂
      xo

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