Our Virtual Book Tour today has lots going on, so make sure you stick around for all the information. There's the book, some excerpts, author information, other books by Marie Astor, an end-of-tour giveaway, and tour information. Like I said lots! So jump on in, and join Books N Beans in welcoming Marie to our crazy little community.
“This Tangled Thing Called Love”
by Marie Astor
Self-Published Contemporary Romance
BLURB
Claire Chatfield has everything a girl could possibly wish for: looks, a promising career, and an
engagement ring from one of New York’s most eligible heir-bachelors! Life should be a dream and yet,
it does not feel like one… When an enigmatic new neighbor, Alec Brunell, moves into an apartment
above from Claire’s, Claire is surprised to find herself wondering whether the choices she has made in
her life are worth following through.
In order to secure his place as his father’s successor, David Lawson must settle down with a wife
befitting the future head of Lawson Enterprises - and who could fit the prerequisite better than the
stunningly beautiful and incredibly bright Claire Chatfield? There is just one glitch – David Lawson is in
love with another woman.
A successful tango instructor, Alec Brunell, has never lacked for women’s attention, but he finds himself
at a loss when faced with his downstairs neighbor, Claire Chatfield. Upon hearing of his occupation,
most women swoon with desire, but Claire runs for the door. Still, her iciness only adds fuel to his fire,
as Alec is determined to change Claire’s view of him.
This Tangled Thing Called Love is about finding one’s perfect match - sometimes following one’s heart
is as convoluted as learning the steps of tango.
EXCERPT #1
Alec put down the paint roller and wiped his forehead on the back of his arm. Man, he was beat – he had
forgotten how grueling physical labor could be. Sure, he worked out six days a week, not to mention
daily dance practice, but painting walls made him discover muscles he did know he had. Every bit of
his body throbbed, but at least he had gotten the job done – the south wall was painted red, and the other
three were white. Now, all he needed was wait for the paint to dry so that he could add a silhouette of
a tango couple against the red background – that ought to complete the ambiance. He opened the small
fridge and reached for a bottle of orange juice. The cool liquid soothed his parched throat; holding the
now half-empty bottle, Alec walked over to the window to check out his new view. All in all he was
happy with his new digs: the rent was reasonable and the view was not bad either – from the top floor he
had an unobstructed view of Second Avenue – not exactly the poshest of locations, but it would do.
One thing he had not counted on was fussy neighbors. Alec smiled, thinking of the unexpected visitor
from the morning. “Claire,” he mouthed her name, remembering her tousled chestnut hair and hazel eyes
- even that bulky bathrobe she had been wearing could not conceal the shapely outlines of her body.
Of course, a girl like that was bound to be a challenge. But he had always liked challenge, and the fact
that he was a professional tango dancer usually played in his favor. Usually, but it might not be so this
time. Alec winced, remembering Claire’s reaction to his innocent question about her music taste. What
was all that about? he wondered - as far as he was concerned, no one could resist tango. Well, he would
get to the bottom of Claire’s music idiosyncrasies in due time, but in the meantime, he needed to think
of a way to become more neighborly.
“Think of the devil,” Alec murmured, taking another gulp of orange juice as he spotted the subject of
his thoughts exiting the lobby. Someone must have a hot night planned, he thought, his eyes examining
every detail of Claire’s outfit, which was far more flattering than the bathrobe he remembered from
this morning. Now, she was dressed in a little black number that fitted her body to a T – his instincts
had been right, from long, shapely legs to firm, flat stomach to wonderfully full breasts, her body was
downright perfect, and the way her chestnut mane bounced down her back made Alec want to get to
know his neighbor better. Heading out for a night on the town, Alec mused – it was Saturday night after
all, and he was glad to remark the absence of a male companion by Claire’s side. Suddenly, his new
building looked even more appealing.
EXCERPT #2
“Hold it!” The elevator doors were about to close when a muscular arm jammed them open.
Startled, Claire stared at the switchboard stupidly, unable to locate the ‘door open’ button.
“Sorry about that.” The owner of the arm slipped inside the elevator. He was dressed in jeans and a
black T-shirt that clung to his lean, muscular torso. His dark-brown hair brushed against the nape of his
neck. In one hand he was carrying a can of black paint and in the other a large paper bag. Two earphone
wires swirled from his neck to his chest and over his taut stomach to the iPod that was tucked into the
front pocket of his jeans. “Could you press twelve please?”
“Sure.” Claire held her breath and lowered her eyes, hoping that she would not be recognized. There was
no place like the elevator to illustrate the theory of relativity – an elevator ride that normally lasted only
a couple of minutes now felt like an eternity.
The man pushed his back against the wall and exhaled as he unplugged his earphones, letting them hang
on his neck. “Crazy day.” He grinned at Claire. “Oh, forgive me – how rude of me. It’s Claire, right?
I’m Alec – your new neighbor – we met before…”
“Hello.” Claire smiled tartly and felt her face grow warm in spite of herself.
“I hope I haven’t been bothering you with the music.” Alec smiled apologetically. “I’ve gotten these.”
He motioned at the earphones.
“It’s fine, really.” Claire forced herself to ignore the distant sounds of tango that were emanating from
the tiny earphones.
“I promise you it won’t happen again. I still can’t live down the fact that I woke you up on a Saturday
morning. May I take you out for a cup of coffee, or better yet, a drink to make up for it?”
Claire ignored the playfulness in his tone. “No worries – already forgotten.” She fumbled with her keys
in order to avoid looking at his face. “So, you’re doing more painting?” She purposely fixed her stare on
the can of paint.
“Just some finishing touches and then I’ll be ready to move in.”
“Good for you. Well, this is my floor – good luck with the painting.” Claire bolted out of the elevator.
EXCERPT #3
Claire’s purchase was almost wrapped up when the front door swung open, blowing in a fresh burst of
May air. Hearing the noise, Claire turned toward the source of distraction and immediately regretted her
decision.
“Are you OK?” Lindsay nudged her. “Your face is all flushed.”
“I’m fine,” Claire murmured. “I’m just really hungry that’s all – let’s go grab a bite to eat after this.”
Claire ducked her head, hoping to remain unnoticed.
She had only heard his voice a handful of times, and yet, it was enough to unleash a flurry of goose
bumps on her skin. “Hi Alec.” Claire widened her lips in a bright smile, attempting to sound nonchalant.
“Hi, I’m Lindsay.” Lindsay stepped in, alternately darting curious glances at Claire and Alec.
“This is Alec, my new neighbor.” Claire swiped away at an unruly strand of hair that fell over her
forehead.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Lindsay.” Alec momentarily tore his gaze away from Claire.
“Likewise. So, are you an art fan, Alec?” Lindsay asked, clearly oblivious to Claire’s tense state.
“You could certainly say that, although dance is my first love, as Claire might have told you.”
“Alec is a big tango fan,” Claire cut in, eager to put an end to this unnerving chitchat.
“Actually, I’m a dance teacher – I teach tango and I also compete professionally.” Alec’s dark brown
eyes found Claire’s. “I’m afraid Claire and I had started off on the wrong foot when I inadvertently
woke her up on a Saturday morning by playing my tango music too loud, but I hope that she has
forgiven me.”
Alec kept his eyes on Claire during the entire tirade, and all she could do was blush and mumble a
muffled yes.
“Ah, that’s much better.” Alec exhaled, his muscular chest puffing out. “I’ve always had a good rapport
with all of my neighbors and I was hoping that my good record would not get marred. So, are you doing
some decorating, Claire?”
“I’m buying an anniversary gift for my boyfriend,” Claire snapped, wishing the store clerk would hurry
up with the wrapping.
“Oh, I see. Well, I’m sorry to have bothered you – I’ll be on my way now.”
As Alec walked away, Claire was caught off guard by a sudden sense of regret. “Come, let’s get out of
here.” She grabbed Lindsay’s arm.
“So, are you going to tell me what that was all about?” Lindsay stared at Claire once they stood outside
the gallery.
“Yeah, but I need a drink first.”
EXCERPT #4
I wonder what’s he doing up there? Claire mused, as she recounted her earlier encounter with Alec at
the art gallery: the flirtatious tone of his voice, the playful sparks in his eyes, the way his hair brushed
against his neck. She had been so brisk with him, her voice prim and her lips set, while all she wanted
to do instead was break into a smile and flirt right back. What harm could there be in a little flirtation?
But with Alec, she could not bring herself to say anything other than matter-of-fact remarks – every time
she saw him, something inside her constricted, making her run for the cover of prudishness. The forced
primness felt both as a haven and a jail – a haven from anything that might go awry, and a jail that
precluded anything wonderful from happening, for that was exactly the emotion that stirred in her every
time she ran into Alec – that something incredibly wonderful might happen. It was also the emotion
that sent Claire scurrying for cover, acting as a bona fide ice maiden, leaving her trapped in her own
confusion. Just what was it about Alec that affected her so, Claire had no idea – she barely knew the
guy, and yet, every time she saw him, she felt her breath catch.
The sensible part of Claire knew that nothing good could come out of her ambiguous feelings for
her upstairs neighbor. From what she could tell, Alec was a good for nothing flirt, and Claire had no
intention of encouraging him when she was happily in love with David. I’ll just look up one more time
and then I’ll be on my way, Claire thought. What she saw next confirmed her misgivings. Now, there
were two silhouettes in the window instead of one: a woman and a man. The female shade arched her
back in Alec’s arms as he tilted her back, leaning over her. Claire looked away, as though jolted by
electricity. Even without the music, she could recognize the pattern of tango – Alec was so in sync
with his partner that it looked as though the two were connected by an invisible thread. Oh, what Claire
would give to be able to lose herself to music so completely, and even more, to know that there were her
lover’s arms there to hold her.
Back in her apartment Claire threw her bag on the dresser and sank into her couch. As she closed her
eyes, she could hear faint sounds of a milonga coming through her ceiling – it was more a throbbing
than an actual sound, but it was still enough for her to hear the rhythm of the sensual dance. Right now,
separated by only a couple of feet of flooring above her, Alec held another woman in his arms – to
Claire she was only a faceless shade, an outline, but to him she was flesh and bones, her body pressing
firmly against his. And what a body it was – the glimpse that Claire had caught through the window left
her speechless with intimidation – a willowy, slender flute of a body, a dancer’s body that was full of
grace – the kind of grace that Claire would never dare attempt.
BUY LINK
Amazon Kindle:
http://www.amazon.com/Dance-Me-Stars-Contemporary-ebook/dp/B0078IPNCW/ref=sr_1_1?
ie=UTF8&qid=1333508381&sr=8-1
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Marie Astor is a die-hard romantic who wholeheartedly believes in true love, which is why she writes
in the contemporary romance genre. Marie is the author of contemporary romance novels This Tangled
Thing Called Love, Lucky Charm, On the Rim of Love, and a short story collection, A Dress in a
Window.
To learn more about Marie’s writing, visit her at:
Website: http://www.marieastor.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/marieastorcollection
GoodReads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4665230.Marie_Astor
Twitter: @marieastor
Books by Marie Astor:
This Tangled Thing Called Love – a contemporary romance about overcoming one’s inhibitions,
learning to tango, and finding one’s true match.
http://www.amazon.com/Dance-Me-Stars-Contemporary-ebook/dp/B0078IPNCW/
ref=pd_sim_kstore_3?ie=UTF8&m=AG56TWVU5XWC2
Lucky Charm – a humorous contemporary romance about love, luck and friendship.
http://www.amazon.com/Lucky-Charm-Contemporary-Romance-ebook/dp/B005BZL3L4/ref=sr_1_1?
ie=UTF8&qid=1336842915&sr=8-1
On the Rim of Love – a contemporary romance about the unexpected power of love.
http://www.amazon.com/On-Rim-Love-Contemporary-ebook/dp/B005TOWI7K/ref=pd_sim_kstore_1?
ie=UTF8&m=AG56TWVU5XWC2
A Dress in a Window – a collection of short stories about love, coincidences, and fate.
http://www.amazon.com/Chance-Encounter-Other-Stories-ebook/dp/B004E112TO/
ref=pd_sim_kstore_5?ie=UTF8&m=AG56TWVU5XWC2
“This Tangled Thing Called Love”
by Marie Astor
Self-Published Contemporary Romance
BLURB
Claire Chatfield has everything a girl could possibly wish for: looks, a promising career, and an
engagement ring from one of New York’s most eligible heir-bachelors! Life should be a dream and yet,
it does not feel like one… When an enigmatic new neighbor, Alec Brunell, moves into an apartment
above from Claire’s, Claire is surprised to find herself wondering whether the choices she has made in
her life are worth following through.
In order to secure his place as his father’s successor, David Lawson must settle down with a wife
befitting the future head of Lawson Enterprises - and who could fit the prerequisite better than the
stunningly beautiful and incredibly bright Claire Chatfield? There is just one glitch – David Lawson is in
love with another woman.
A successful tango instructor, Alec Brunell, has never lacked for women’s attention, but he finds himself
at a loss when faced with his downstairs neighbor, Claire Chatfield. Upon hearing of his occupation,
most women swoon with desire, but Claire runs for the door. Still, her iciness only adds fuel to his fire,
as Alec is determined to change Claire’s view of him.
This Tangled Thing Called Love is about finding one’s perfect match - sometimes following one’s heart
is as convoluted as learning the steps of tango.
EXCERPT #1
Alec put down the paint roller and wiped his forehead on the back of his arm. Man, he was beat – he had
forgotten how grueling physical labor could be. Sure, he worked out six days a week, not to mention
daily dance practice, but painting walls made him discover muscles he did know he had. Every bit of
his body throbbed, but at least he had gotten the job done – the south wall was painted red, and the other
three were white. Now, all he needed was wait for the paint to dry so that he could add a silhouette of
a tango couple against the red background – that ought to complete the ambiance. He opened the small
fridge and reached for a bottle of orange juice. The cool liquid soothed his parched throat; holding the
now half-empty bottle, Alec walked over to the window to check out his new view. All in all he was
happy with his new digs: the rent was reasonable and the view was not bad either – from the top floor he
had an unobstructed view of Second Avenue – not exactly the poshest of locations, but it would do.
One thing he had not counted on was fussy neighbors. Alec smiled, thinking of the unexpected visitor
from the morning. “Claire,” he mouthed her name, remembering her tousled chestnut hair and hazel eyes
- even that bulky bathrobe she had been wearing could not conceal the shapely outlines of her body.
Of course, a girl like that was bound to be a challenge. But he had always liked challenge, and the fact
that he was a professional tango dancer usually played in his favor. Usually, but it might not be so this
time. Alec winced, remembering Claire’s reaction to his innocent question about her music taste. What
was all that about? he wondered - as far as he was concerned, no one could resist tango. Well, he would
get to the bottom of Claire’s music idiosyncrasies in due time, but in the meantime, he needed to think
of a way to become more neighborly.
“Think of the devil,” Alec murmured, taking another gulp of orange juice as he spotted the subject of
his thoughts exiting the lobby. Someone must have a hot night planned, he thought, his eyes examining
every detail of Claire’s outfit, which was far more flattering than the bathrobe he remembered from
this morning. Now, she was dressed in a little black number that fitted her body to a T – his instincts
had been right, from long, shapely legs to firm, flat stomach to wonderfully full breasts, her body was
downright perfect, and the way her chestnut mane bounced down her back made Alec want to get to
know his neighbor better. Heading out for a night on the town, Alec mused – it was Saturday night after
all, and he was glad to remark the absence of a male companion by Claire’s side. Suddenly, his new
building looked even more appealing.
EXCERPT #2
“Hold it!” The elevator doors were about to close when a muscular arm jammed them open.
Startled, Claire stared at the switchboard stupidly, unable to locate the ‘door open’ button.
“Sorry about that.” The owner of the arm slipped inside the elevator. He was dressed in jeans and a
black T-shirt that clung to his lean, muscular torso. His dark-brown hair brushed against the nape of his
neck. In one hand he was carrying a can of black paint and in the other a large paper bag. Two earphone
wires swirled from his neck to his chest and over his taut stomach to the iPod that was tucked into the
front pocket of his jeans. “Could you press twelve please?”
“Sure.” Claire held her breath and lowered her eyes, hoping that she would not be recognized. There was
no place like the elevator to illustrate the theory of relativity – an elevator ride that normally lasted only
a couple of minutes now felt like an eternity.
The man pushed his back against the wall and exhaled as he unplugged his earphones, letting them hang
on his neck. “Crazy day.” He grinned at Claire. “Oh, forgive me – how rude of me. It’s Claire, right?
I’m Alec – your new neighbor – we met before…”
“Hello.” Claire smiled tartly and felt her face grow warm in spite of herself.
“I hope I haven’t been bothering you with the music.” Alec smiled apologetically. “I’ve gotten these.”
He motioned at the earphones.
“It’s fine, really.” Claire forced herself to ignore the distant sounds of tango that were emanating from
the tiny earphones.
“I promise you it won’t happen again. I still can’t live down the fact that I woke you up on a Saturday
morning. May I take you out for a cup of coffee, or better yet, a drink to make up for it?”
Claire ignored the playfulness in his tone. “No worries – already forgotten.” She fumbled with her keys
in order to avoid looking at his face. “So, you’re doing more painting?” She purposely fixed her stare on
the can of paint.
“Just some finishing touches and then I’ll be ready to move in.”
“Good for you. Well, this is my floor – good luck with the painting.” Claire bolted out of the elevator.
EXCERPT #3
Claire’s purchase was almost wrapped up when the front door swung open, blowing in a fresh burst of
May air. Hearing the noise, Claire turned toward the source of distraction and immediately regretted her
decision.
“Are you OK?” Lindsay nudged her. “Your face is all flushed.”
“I’m fine,” Claire murmured. “I’m just really hungry that’s all – let’s go grab a bite to eat after this.”
Claire ducked her head, hoping to remain unnoticed.
She had only heard his voice a handful of times, and yet, it was enough to unleash a flurry of goose
bumps on her skin. “Hi Alec.” Claire widened her lips in a bright smile, attempting to sound nonchalant.
“Hi, I’m Lindsay.” Lindsay stepped in, alternately darting curious glances at Claire and Alec.
“This is Alec, my new neighbor.” Claire swiped away at an unruly strand of hair that fell over her
forehead.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Lindsay.” Alec momentarily tore his gaze away from Claire.
“Likewise. So, are you an art fan, Alec?” Lindsay asked, clearly oblivious to Claire’s tense state.
“You could certainly say that, although dance is my first love, as Claire might have told you.”
“Alec is a big tango fan,” Claire cut in, eager to put an end to this unnerving chitchat.
“Actually, I’m a dance teacher – I teach tango and I also compete professionally.” Alec’s dark brown
eyes found Claire’s. “I’m afraid Claire and I had started off on the wrong foot when I inadvertently
woke her up on a Saturday morning by playing my tango music too loud, but I hope that she has
forgiven me.”
Alec kept his eyes on Claire during the entire tirade, and all she could do was blush and mumble a
muffled yes.
“Ah, that’s much better.” Alec exhaled, his muscular chest puffing out. “I’ve always had a good rapport
with all of my neighbors and I was hoping that my good record would not get marred. So, are you doing
some decorating, Claire?”
“I’m buying an anniversary gift for my boyfriend,” Claire snapped, wishing the store clerk would hurry
up with the wrapping.
“Oh, I see. Well, I’m sorry to have bothered you – I’ll be on my way now.”
As Alec walked away, Claire was caught off guard by a sudden sense of regret. “Come, let’s get out of
here.” She grabbed Lindsay’s arm.
“So, are you going to tell me what that was all about?” Lindsay stared at Claire once they stood outside
the gallery.
“Yeah, but I need a drink first.”
EXCERPT #4
I wonder what’s he doing up there? Claire mused, as she recounted her earlier encounter with Alec at
the art gallery: the flirtatious tone of his voice, the playful sparks in his eyes, the way his hair brushed
against his neck. She had been so brisk with him, her voice prim and her lips set, while all she wanted
to do instead was break into a smile and flirt right back. What harm could there be in a little flirtation?
But with Alec, she could not bring herself to say anything other than matter-of-fact remarks – every time
she saw him, something inside her constricted, making her run for the cover of prudishness. The forced
primness felt both as a haven and a jail – a haven from anything that might go awry, and a jail that
precluded anything wonderful from happening, for that was exactly the emotion that stirred in her every
time she ran into Alec – that something incredibly wonderful might happen. It was also the emotion
that sent Claire scurrying for cover, acting as a bona fide ice maiden, leaving her trapped in her own
confusion. Just what was it about Alec that affected her so, Claire had no idea – she barely knew the
guy, and yet, every time she saw him, she felt her breath catch.
The sensible part of Claire knew that nothing good could come out of her ambiguous feelings for
her upstairs neighbor. From what she could tell, Alec was a good for nothing flirt, and Claire had no
intention of encouraging him when she was happily in love with David. I’ll just look up one more time
and then I’ll be on my way, Claire thought. What she saw next confirmed her misgivings. Now, there
were two silhouettes in the window instead of one: a woman and a man. The female shade arched her
back in Alec’s arms as he tilted her back, leaning over her. Claire looked away, as though jolted by
electricity. Even without the music, she could recognize the pattern of tango – Alec was so in sync
with his partner that it looked as though the two were connected by an invisible thread. Oh, what Claire
would give to be able to lose herself to music so completely, and even more, to know that there were her
lover’s arms there to hold her.
Back in her apartment Claire threw her bag on the dresser and sank into her couch. As she closed her
eyes, she could hear faint sounds of a milonga coming through her ceiling – it was more a throbbing
than an actual sound, but it was still enough for her to hear the rhythm of the sensual dance. Right now,
separated by only a couple of feet of flooring above her, Alec held another woman in his arms – to
Claire she was only a faceless shade, an outline, but to him she was flesh and bones, her body pressing
firmly against his. And what a body it was – the glimpse that Claire had caught through the window left
her speechless with intimidation – a willowy, slender flute of a body, a dancer’s body that was full of
grace – the kind of grace that Claire would never dare attempt.
BUY LINK
Amazon Kindle:
http://www.amazon.com/Dance-Me-Stars-Contemporary-ebook/dp/B0078IPNCW/ref=sr_1_1?
ie=UTF8&qid=1333508381&sr=8-1
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Marie Astor is a die-hard romantic who wholeheartedly believes in true love, which is why she writes
in the contemporary romance genre. Marie is the author of contemporary romance novels This Tangled
Thing Called Love, Lucky Charm, On the Rim of Love, and a short story collection, A Dress in a
Window.
To learn more about Marie’s writing, visit her at:
Website: http://www.marieastor.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/marieastorcollection
GoodReads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4665230.Marie_Astor
Twitter: @marieastor
Books by Marie Astor:
This Tangled Thing Called Love – a contemporary romance about overcoming one’s inhibitions,
learning to tango, and finding one’s true match.
http://www.amazon.com/Dance-Me-Stars-Contemporary-ebook/dp/B0078IPNCW/
ref=pd_sim_kstore_3?ie=UTF8&m=AG56TWVU5XWC2
Lucky Charm – a humorous contemporary romance about love, luck and friendship.
http://www.amazon.com/Lucky-Charm-Contemporary-Romance-ebook/dp/B005BZL3L4/ref=sr_1_1?
ie=UTF8&qid=1336842915&sr=8-1
On the Rim of Love – a contemporary romance about the unexpected power of love.
http://www.amazon.com/On-Rim-Love-Contemporary-ebook/dp/B005TOWI7K/ref=pd_sim_kstore_1?
ie=UTF8&m=AG56TWVU5XWC2
A Dress in a Window – a collection of short stories about love, coincidences, and fate.
http://www.amazon.com/Chance-Encounter-Other-Stories-ebook/dp/B004E112TO/
ref=pd_sim_kstore_5?ie=UTF8&m=AG56TWVU5XWC2
Marie Astor is hosting an end-of-tour giveaway. Here is a picture of the prizes she's offering:
And here's entry information:
Follow Marie on her tour, click the banner to see where Marie is scheduled to
stop next, and when the tour ends!
