Take a Chance on Me & The One That I Want – Double Release Celebration!

TakeAChanceOnMe-EBook-412x625It’s a party — with giveaways šŸ™‚ . My new Mirabelle Harbor series just launched with a double release this past week, and I’ve been looking forward to getting to celebrate here with all of you!!

As some of you may remember from my last AV post — A Visit to Mirabelle HarborĀ — this contemporary romance series had its origins 15 years ago when I was still an aspiring writer and I had a little baby in the house… My son is now a high-school junior and I’ve published a dozen books in the years since, but this fictional lakeside town and its collection of characters have stayed with me from the beginning.

ALL of the stories in this series are standalones, but they’re connected through the town and through a relationship with the Michaelsen family. In TAKE A CHANCE ON ME (the opening novella – Book 1), Chance Michaelsen is the hero of the story. As a dedicated 28-year-old personal trainer, Chance is the strong & silent type. He falls hard for his newest client Nia Pappayiannisā€”a woman who’s his complete opposite and a member of the gregarious family that owns the Greek bakery just down the street from his gym. He considers their pastries (and most everything the family cooks) to be the enemy of good health, but his attraction to Nia canā€™t be denied.

Relationships are a little complicated in Nia’s world, however. She’s got an Old World mother who’s determined to marry her off…if not to “a nice Greek boy” then at least to a man who knows enough toĀ rave about theirĀ baklava. And, let’s face it, Chance isn’t gonna be that guy, LOL. And then there’sĀ Nia’s current boyfriend and Chance’s ex-girlfriend, who aren’t exactly making life easy for either of them. If true loveĀ is going to be in their future, though, they’re both going to have to take a risk and open their hearts.

Here’s an excerpt from the story (in Nia’s POV), which is a little steamy…in more ways than one!

*~*~*

I couldnā€™t dismiss Chanceā€™s gaze. As we sat across from each other in the steaming sauna, he watched my every movement, noticing each inch of exposed skin, which wasnā€™t much on my side, really. The white towels gave comprehensive coverage. They were jumbo sized, so only my shoulders, arms, lower thighs, calves, and feet were visible.
*
But Chance took in every bit, and I squirmed under that level of scrutiny.
*
He abruptly stood up and walked over to me. With no shirt as a shield, there was nothing that could camouflage his incredibly buff upper body. Bet he did more than torso twists to get that six pack, huh? Even more than wanting to touch him, though, I wanted to know what he was thinking. My attention kept getting drawn back to his face. To his inquisitive hazel eyes.
*
He stood in front of me and pulled me to standing. ā€œTurn around,ā€ he whispered.
*
ā€œWhy?ā€ I murmured, glancing at the door. There was an oval sliver of a window where people walking by could peek in on us, if they were so inclined.
*
ā€œIā€™m going to rub your shoulders,ā€ he said simply. ā€œDonā€™t worry. Iā€™ll stop anytime you want, but nowā€™s the best time to loosen those tight muscles. You can lean against the wall for balance.ā€
sauna pic
*
There was almost nothing in the world I wanted more than to feel Chanceā€™s hands on my skin. Between his nearness to me, my anticipation of his touch, and the blazing temperature of the sauna, I could only take quick, shallow breaths but, nevertheless, I turned around.
*
From the very second his fingertips connected with the top of my shoulders, it was all I could do not to gasp or moan. He had magic hands, that man. A grip that was strong, firm, but not pinching. My neck and shoulders had never felt better.
*
I could only imagine what he could do to my back if I were to throw the towel on the floor and let him rub whatever he wanted, or wherever he wanted. Aunt Helen would be evoking all kinds of prayers to the blessed Virgin if she knew what I was thinking.
*
ā€œYou really missed your calling,ā€ I managed to say.
*
Chance made that low chuckling sound that sent a bolt of desire from my ears to my toenails. ā€œI have some background in deep tissue and Swedish massage,ā€ he told me. ā€œBoard certified, actually. But Iā€™m very selective in choosing my clientele for that service.ā€
*
The air in the sauna must have hit about three thousand degrees when he spoke. I was burning up. But he continued to rub only above the towel line. Nothing remotely inappropriate. And his self-control made me want to scream, ā€œGo lower! Push the towel down, Chance. Tell me you want me half as much as I want you.ā€
*
Instead, I just sighed, and his fingers stilled. No!
*
He very gently turned me around to face him, lowered his head until his lips were millimeters from mine, and whispered, ā€œNumber 127 Arpeggio Avenue. Apartment 3.ā€
*
ā€œWhat?ā€ I asked. There was steam all around us and, more than that, my brain was in a fog.
*
ā€œThatā€™s my address. Just two blocks south of here.ā€ He paused. ā€œItā€™s your choice, Nia. But remember your question when we were texting tonight? When you asked if I was propositioning you?ā€
*
I nodded. Oh, yes. I remembered. He’d written:Ā If I were propositioning you, Iā€™d say to meet me at my apartment…
*
ā€œSo,ā€ he said slowly, ā€œif you would like — meet me at my apartment.ā€ Then Chance smiled, stepped away from me, and walked out of the sauna.

*~*~*

Because of the double release, TAKE A CHANCE ON ME is on sale *everywhere* for 99 cents! If you haven’t picked up a copy, it’s available at these ebook retailers:
AND it’s also available in paperback!
*~*~*
The second book in the series — THE ONE THAT I WANT — is a full-length novel about the best friend of Chance’s sister. Here’s more about Book 2:

the one that I wantThe summer after her beloved husband died in a car accident, Julia Meriwether Crane is still picking up the pieces of her life in Mirabelle Harbor and trying to help her ten-year-old daughter adjust to this difficult new reality.

After her best friend Sharleneā€”one of the well-connected Michaelsen siblingsā€”talks her into finally going out on the town again, Julia finds herself stunned to be the object of interest of several different men: The boy whoā€™d broken her heart back in high school. The college ex sheā€™d left behind. And most surprising of all, the movie actor sheā€™d always fantasized about but had never met in personā€¦until now. Can one woman have more than one ā€œgreat loveā€ in the same lifetime? And, if so, how can she be sure which man thatā€™ll be?

I shared a scene from that story HERE last month, and the novel was just released on Sunday!! This story had its beginnings in my musings about modern-day “First Impressions” and how a teen fantasy (like, oh, meeting your favorite filmĀ star) might play out in an everyday suburban mom situation. I’m so excited that this novel is finally out in the world…and I really hope you’ll like it!

THE ONE THAT I WANT is available everywhere in ebook as well (and on Amazon worldwide it’s still 25% off for a limited time).
Amazon
B&N
Kobo
Apple
Smashwords
And it’s ALSO out in paperback!!

**Visit Marilyn Brant’s MIRABELLE HARBOR page on her website for more information on the series and for upcoming book releases during 2015 & 2016! Next up: YOU GIVE LOVE A BAD NAME (Blake & Vicky’s story)**

52 comments

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    • arjanne on July 29, 2015 at 4:38 am
    • Reply

    Congratulations on the new releases! They both sound great.
    As for desserts: I love chocolate mousse! Or really anything with chocolate in it!

    1. Arjanne,
      Thank you so, so much!!
      And, ohhhh, chocolate mousse/chocolate anything…YES šŸ™‚ .

    • Deborah on July 29, 2015 at 6:42 am
    • Reply

    I enjoyed reading both books and need to post my reviews. As for my favorite desert…depends upon my mood….chocolate raspberry cheesecake is delicious or a Napoleon or a piece of baklava. Your post has made me so very hungry (a piece of pumpkin pie smothered in whipped cream for breakfast),

    1. Deborah~
      Well, pumpkin is a vegetable, right? You were practically eating salad for breakfast… šŸ˜€
      The very mention of chocolate raspberry cheesecake makes my mouth water! Mmmm!
      And thank you again — so much — for reading both books. I’m thrilled you enjoyed them!!
      xo

  1. A towel on in the sauna, no wonder she is burning up šŸ˜‰

    Sounds good!

    1. Thanks & LOL, Blodeuedd!!
      Nia should definitely ditch that towel… šŸ™‚

    • Stephanie L on July 29, 2015 at 9:10 am
    • Reply

    Please exclude me from the giveaways as I have the books…but I wanted to celebrate the double release (Wooo HOOO!!!!) šŸ™‚ and…well…my favorite desserts have changed with food allergies. My favorite USED to be chocolate eclairs….*le sigh* Now, since I’m allergic to so much my favorite is a very dark chocolate fudgey brownie topped with nuts. My favorite takeaway from this scene is that he left the choice up to her. Didn’t push the “moment” in the sauna, just gave the address and walked away. So very romantic.

      • Stephanie L on July 29, 2015 at 9:12 am
      • Reply

      Oh and the Bon Jovi fangirl in me from waayyyy back always gets the giggles when I read the (very apropos) title of the next book. šŸ˜‰

      1. Stephanie!!!
        First & foremost, *thank you* again for reading my books and for celebrating with me. You’re wonderful! xox
        As for desserts, it’s painful to admit this, but my body is developing some allergies as well, and I’ve had to limit ice cream (the horror!), so I’ve been moving more toward dark chocolate, too, which I also love. Imagine me making some of those very dark chocolate fudgey brownies with nuts today & sending you a batch!!
        p.s. My little rocker heart belongs to Jon Bon Jovi…so that title is my favorite out of the whole series šŸ˜€

    • Sheila L. M. on July 29, 2015 at 10:21 am
    • Reply

    I love apple pie ala mode, but have to say I am picky about my apple pie (lots of apples, thin crust and not too sweet).

    I did purchase both of those books but would love any signed paperback copy is so lucky. I have not yet read the books – so many on my pile of books and just borrowed several from Joy and Claudine plus have been reading some on Mel’s JAFF. In other words, pigging out on JAFF!

    1. Ha! Laughing about the idea of pigging out on JAFF šŸ™‚ . There can never be too much Jane!
      And, Sheila, thank you for buying the books and for taking the time to comment. I love apple pie, but it’s my husband’s absolute favorite! For “Pi Day” (March 14th = 3.14) I always get him an apple pie or two…

    • Elaina on July 29, 2015 at 11:06 am
    • Reply

    Millefeuille is my favorite dessert. Delectable and ideal. The excerpts are extremely captivating and special.

    1. Elaina,
      I’m so delighted that you enjoyed the excerpts — thank you!
      And millefeuille — YUM!! Cake + custard…what’s not to love?! šŸ™‚

    • beth on July 29, 2015 at 11:13 am
    • Reply

    Churros. I don’t know why but if I see them I have to have them.

    1. Beth,
      We have a deli near us that has my favorite chicken burritos…and also warm churros. So. Good!
      šŸ˜€

  2. I am looking forward to reading this new series. The sauna scene was incredible smoking hot. Would love for Chase to massage my shoulders!

    Enjoyed the previous one Pride and Prejudice and the Perfect Bet.

    1. Patty,
      Thank you so much!! I’m thrilled you enjoyed Pride, Prejudice and the Perfect Bet, and LOL about the sauna scene from Take a Chance on Me. I tried to make it steamy! And, yeah, I want him rubbing my shoulders, too… I’m sure it would help me write faster. šŸ˜€

    • Beth White on July 29, 2015 at 2:23 pm
    • Reply

    Congratulations on your new book release!

    1. Thanks so much, Beth!
      I appreciate the good wishes šŸ˜‰ .

  3. Both of these books look amazing–congratulations, Marilyn!!!

    I’d love to have either–actually both! But we can’t be greedy now, can we?

    Well, unless there’s Boston Cream Pie around. The best of everything: spongy cake, rich custard, chocolate, whipped cream, and a delicate pie shell! Life does not get better…seriously. Especially when my husband of 30 years makes it for me for my birthday…YUM! šŸ˜€

    Congratulations again on your double-release, Marilyn!!

    Warmly,
    Susanne, who is bleary-eyed after grading stories until 6:00 AM for the online fan fiction class I teach

    1. Susanne,
      Thanks for taking the time to stop by and celebrate with me — especially after staying up until 6am!! Oh, my goodness… I’ve made it to 4am a few times, but never 6… You deserve a nap today, my friend!
      And the Boston Cream Pie alone would be amazing, but to have your hubby make it for you? Heaven šŸ™‚ .

    • junewilliams7 on July 29, 2015 at 3:41 pm
    • Reply

    I would never be able to resist someone with a bakery! But what excites me the most is knowing that ‘Chance’ was the first story in your heart, when you were an aspiring writer and not yet published. Congratulations on achieving your dream!

    1. June,
      Oh, thank you! It means so much to me to get to share these characters and this community with all of you…these many years after they first captured my imagination. I hope you’ll enjoy them all half as much as I do…xox šŸ™‚

  4. Congratulations, Marilyn!! Wonderful to see you’re being so productive. I love anything in a bakery, too!! Looking forward to reading the latest!

    1. Monica,
      Thanks so much for the congrats! šŸ˜‰
      This has been a tremendously fun series to work on, although I can’t say it’s been helping me with my diet all that much, LOL. *sending you some virtual brownies & baklava*

    • lynn on July 29, 2015 at 11:25 pm
    • Reply

    Went out on a limb and bought them both. Though it’s not much of a limb as I love your writing! Going on vacation soon and I look forward to reading them by the lake….perhaps a glad of wine at my side. Can’t wait, it’s been a long, long week!!

    • lynn on July 29, 2015 at 11:26 pm
    • Reply

    Make that *glass* of wine, though I’m sure I’ll be glad to have it

    1. Lynn,
      THANK YOU!! I’ve got my fingers crossed that you’ll like them both! And thanks so muck for your kind words about my writing šŸ˜‰ . *hug*
      Enjoy your vacation & that wine… Have an extra glass for me!! xo

    • Katrin S on July 30, 2015 at 6:16 am
    • Reply

    IĀ“m for ditching the towel too, like a commenter above already pointed out, lol. What an excerpt. I really want to know if sheĀ“s going to ring at his doorbell!

    There are soooo many delicious deserts in this world. I love everything Finnish – so IĀ“d say korvapuusti, a kind of cinnamon roll! Yummy!

    1. Katrin,
      Ha!!! Yeah, if they were alone in the gym and all the doors were locked, we’d be getting rid of those towels. šŸ˜€ I’m so glad you want to know what happens next — thank you!
      As for desserts, your Finnish cinnamon roll sounds fabulous — “Korvapuusti” — I must try it sometime!

  5. 127 Arpeggio Avenue. Apartment 3… I’ll be right there. Oh, I mean NIA should go straight there. Yeah, that’s what I meant…

    I hate saunas because it’s hard for me to breathe but with guys like this, who needs em?!

    Congrats on the double release! I have them both on my kindle and am eager to read them. Between JAFF and Outlander and Poldark, I feel like it’s been forever since I read anything more recent than 19th century! My favorite dessert would be cheesecake! *drool*

    xo

    1. Forgot to say I love that the titles are named for songs!

      1. Monica!!!
        Chance would totally love it if you showed up at his door šŸ˜€ . Just sayin’…
        Thank you so much for celebrating my release week with me, and I’m really hoping you’ll like both books!
        It’s funny, even though I write in the contemporary world, I’m still glued to “Outlander,” “Poldark” and all things Austen. I need to look up what else Aidan Turner has been in because I’d love to see him in some other films. *swoon*
        And YAY on liking the song titles!! I had a lot of fun choosing them for the series, LOL.
        Sending you xox’s & some virtual cheesecake!

          • Sheila L. M. on August 1, 2015 at 10:31 am
          • Reply

          Aidan Turner in Desperate Romantics!

          And he is Kili in the Hobbit movies and Aidan Turner in Mortal Instruments…I think he is a vampire in this one.

          1. Sheila,
            Thank you! I just heard about him being in the Hobbit films, and am planning on watching Mortal Instruments. Didn’t know about Desperate Romantics — will look that up! šŸ™‚

              • Sheila L. M. on August 1, 2015 at 11:35 am

              Check out all the photos on my Pinterest site:
              https://www.pinterest.com/sheilaodara/poldarka-new-hero-for-me/

              I want to rent Desperate Romantics also.

            1. Love the photos, Sheila!!

              • Sheila L. M. on August 5, 2015 at 8:38 am

              Glad to hear you viewed and liked them. Have a good day. Off to Seattle on vacation and may see Shannon while there. Visiting my daughter and her husband.

            2. Sheila,
              You had so many pictures — I was in awe!
              Hope you have a fabulous time in Seattle šŸ˜€ .

              • Sheila L. M. on August 30, 2015 at 3:46 pm

              A good time was had by all and then I was off the Canada (the Falls, etc.) with a friend for 3 days this week and then did some babysitting of grandchildren. Just spent most of today trying to catch up with e-mails. Thanks for checking out my Pinterest Boards. I do enjoy looking at them from time to time and adding to them.

      • Sheila L. M. on July 31, 2015 at 10:43 pm
      • Reply

      Monica, I have the same three keeping me more busy than I should be at my age…but loving it. Sweet Dreams

      1. Sheila,
        There’s a lot to love about those three things! šŸ˜‰

  6. A dessert that never fails to make my mouth water it’s Tiramisu!!! Thank you for this amazing giveaway!!!!

    1. Ohhh, Julia, you’ve mentioned one of my favorites!! I *love* tiramisu!!
      YUM šŸ˜€ .

    • Tara Toombs on August 2, 2015 at 10:52 am
    • Reply

    congratulatio)ns on your books….looking forward to reading them!

    • Tara Toombs on August 2, 2015 at 10:56 am
    • Reply

    I forgot to put my favorite dessert…..I hate to sound so all American here but you can’t beat Apple pie!

    1. Tara,
      Many thanks for your kind congrats!! I appreciate them šŸ˜‰ .
      And apple pie — ooooh, warm with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream! — is delicious. That is always a party pleaser at our house!

  7. Congratulations! What a great collection of books.
    One of my favorite desserts is apple crispā€”perfect for autumn!

    1. NovElla,
      Mmmm…yes! Warm apple crisp! I’m in the mood for that right now šŸ˜‰ .
      And thanks so much for the congratulations!!

    • Gabriela VS on August 5, 2015 at 10:08 pm
    • Reply

    I love chocolate lava cake. Everytime I see it, especially on Masterchef, it always makes me want to put my hand through the television and to devour it.

    1. Gabriela,
      LOL!! I can totally imagine that šŸ˜‰ . And they’re so good about zooming in on every bit of dripping chocolate and gooey cake when they show it on TV, too. It always looks so unbelievably delicious!

  8. The random drawing is done!!
    CONGRATS to Sheila L.M. for winning the signed copy of Pride, Prejudice and the Perfect Bet…and also to NovElla for winning the signed copy of Take a Chance on Me!!
    Please email me (MarilynBrant AT gmail DOT com) with your street address so I can mail out the paperbacks to you.
    Many thanks to EVERYONE for your fabulous comments and for taking time to celebrate this series launch with me last week! šŸ™‚

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