Private Messages - Book Tour and Giveaway

Private Messages
by Connie Lafortune
Genre: Romantic Suspense 

Lilianna

For so long, my very existence teetered on the brink of death
That's what happens when you lose the other piece of your heart
I can't sleep, write or work
Until, I meet him
The one who won't let me fade back into the darkness
Now, I'm feeling things that I shouldn't
But the man is determined to breathe me back to life
And, it's been so long since I took a breath

Zane

I've been called a cold heartless bastard one too many times
However, I didn't get to where I am by not taking chances
I'm the successful owner of Club Syn
And then I meet her
I'm torn between my mysterious caller and the raging storm
Now, I'm feeling things I've never felt before
One is untouchable, the other continues to push me away
And, it's been so long since I've been inspired




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  The sexual tension between us is electric. it’s obvious we’re both feeling it and we have no idea why. A sense of déjà vu washes over me, although I know I’ve never been here like this with him. What the hell’s going on?
       “You feel it too, don’t you?” All I can do is nod because I have no words. We’re both drinking each other in when someone clears their throat. I want to scream, Not now!
       Zane quickly snaps his head to the side. “Not now, Mike!” Ah, he read my mind. I’m desperate to explore what’s happening between the two of us.
       “I’m truly sorry to interrupt but your four o’clock appointment is here. What should I tell her?” Zane clenches his jaw and I see the conflict wash over him but I also know he’s a shrewd businessman. He can’t cancel on such short notice without some repercussions.
       “Lili…”
       “Don’t apologize, Zane. I’m the one who came here unannounced and you’ve been more than generous with your time. Thank you for the delicious lunch.”
       Zane stands up so abruptly that my hands begin to tremble as he walks over and pulls out my chair. Always the perfect gentleman. His mother taught him well. When he grabs my hand and pulls me along without an explanation, I hesitate. Until, he glares in my direction and I reluctantly follow. What the hell’s he doing? And where’s he taking me?
       “Boss, what do you want me to do with your four o’clock…”
       Zane’s hand flies up in the air, dismissing Mike in an instant. “Tell her I’ll be ten minutes late. I have something more important I need to tend to.” Mike and I become allies for a split-second.  Especially, when my wide-eyed stare matches his own. All I can do is shake it off as I’m jerked away. I take everything back that I said earlier. He’s not a gentleman and his mom would most certainly scold him for acting this way!
       “Zane, stop! Where are we going?” My question’s soon answered as he leads me into a dimly lit room. And as soon as he closes the door, I’m pressed up against it. His tall frame looms over me and I become aroused when his hands flatten against the door, inches away from my face. Confining me. My breathing becomes labored as he leans in.
       “Can I kiss you?”
       What? Why does he even have to ask! Zane doesn’t wait for my answer. He just takes. My mind’s spinning out of control as his warm mouth opens over mine. I’m lost in his kiss as his tongue swipes over my bottom lip. And when I moan his tongue penetrates my mouth and dances with mine. A slow, erotic dance that has me panting and wanting so much more.
       “Don’t leave, Lili. Stay right here and I’ll be back as soon as I can.” First, he nips my bottom lip, kisses me and then walks out the door.
       What the fuck just happened?



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Author of contemporary/romantic suspense. Rebel, coffee addict and incurable romantic. If she's not in her office writing, you can bet she's curled up in a comfy chair with her nose buried in a book.



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Can you, for those who don't know you already, tell something about yourself and how you became an author?
  I'm an author of contemporary romantic suspense. A rebel, coffee addict and an incurable romantic.  
  I actually started writing at the tender age of eleven. At that time, everything was hand written in marbled composition books. I had a ton of them and they all held my deepest darkest secrets. Which I then turned into some amazing stories, poetry and lyrics. I haven't written any of the songs yet, but you never know what the future holds.
 Writing has always been cathartic for me since it's what I'm passionate about. I just love looking at a blank page, knowing in a matter of minutes, all of my thoughts and feelings will give that page a life of its own. It's the reason, I pour my heart and soul into each and every word. Every, single, day.

What is something unique/quirky about you?
  I have a crazy sense of humor and I love to laugh. Even at myself, which I do quite often. 

Tell us something really interesting that's happened to you!
  A long time ago, I was grocery shopping at a very popular food chain, when a young girl started choking. Her mother was hysterical and begging for someone to please help her. No one rushed to her side, so my motherly instincts automatically kicked in and I hurried over. I found out she was choking on her very first lollipop, so I immediately started performing the Heimlich Maneuver on the frightened young girl. Almost immediately, the object was dislodged from her throat and she started crying.The distraught mom thanked me profusely and promised it was her first and lost lollipop, Ever. 
  
What are some of your pet peeves?
  Lying, texting while driving, roll their eyes, interrupting, rudeness, always late, etc, etc. Too many to list!

Where were you born/grew up at?
 I was born and raised in a small town in Northeastern Connecticticut

What do you do to unwind and relax?
  I truly love reading and writing. It's the best way I know how to unwind after a long day at work. 

Describe yourself in 5 words or less!
  Jolly rancher fanatic!

Which of your novels can you imagine made into a movie?
  I would love to see Bound by Steel on the big screen! I truly believe that the chemistry between Ryker and Lyra is so palpable, that the audience would be captivated from beginning to end.

  What inspired you to write this book?
  I read an article in the newspaper that gave me a bit of inspiration. I changed it up to fit my characters and the rest is history as they say. 

Do your characters seem to hijack the story or do you feel like you have the reigns of the story? Convince us why you feel your book is a must read.
  I usually reign in my story, but with Bound by Steel, Ryker took over those reigns. I didn't know if the outcome would work, but he proved to me that he knew what he was doing from the very start. Now, when I write, if my characters get very loud, I just listen to them. After all, it is their story to tell, isn't it?

  It's very hard for an author, especially me, to convince someone to read my book. But, I will tell you this, I will not publish anything, ever, that I'm not 100% proud of creating. So with that said, if you love a very steamy romance, with all the feels, try reading one of my books. I bet you'd be able to find one that would be just perfect for you. 
Is there an writer which brain you would love to pick for advice? Who would that be and why?
  I've been contemplating taking the Masterclass since there are so many wonderful authors to choose from. First and foremost it would be Neil Gaiman, creative writing at its finest. Joyce Carol Oates so I could learn how to write a fantastic short story. Taking several of these courses is another goal of mine in 2020.

Do you see writing as a career?
  I would love to write full time. In fact, it's one of my goals in 2020 but I need to get all my ducks in a row. I'm sure when that day finally comes, you will hear me screaming from the rooftops! 

Do you read yourself and if so what is your favorite genre?
  I will read anything as long as it's fiction but romance will always be my favorite genre.

Do you prefer to write in silence or with noise? Why?
  It depends on what kind of scene I'm writing that day. Generally, I do love listening to music, but sometimes it can be very distracting. And, I do love creating playlists for all of my books. Check out my YouTube channel and have a listen. 
www.youtube.com/channel/UCf8cww3khUEBO9lsqH31smg?view_as=subscriber


Do you write one book at a time or do you have several going at a time? 
  Typically, one at a time. If you asked how many I have pending, I'd have to admit I have five in total. 

If you could have been the author of any book ever written, which book would you choose?
  This is a very hard question since there are so many wonderful books and authors out there. But, if I had to choose it would be The Ribbon Duet by Pepper Winters. Breathtakingly beautiful...

Pen or type writer or computer?
  Computer

What makes a good story?
  In my opinion, as a reader, I need to feel every emotion that the characters feel. After all, I read to escape and I want to be one with the characters so I can live vicariously through them. 

What are they currently reading?
  Credence by Penelope Douglas. It's not for the faint of heart, but I rather enjoy a taboo treat from time to time. 

What is your writing process? For instance do you do an outline first? Do you do the chapters first? What are common traps for aspiring writers?
  Unfortunately, I'm a Pantser. My characters let me know how they want their story to play out. And believe me, they're very loud on any given day.  I just let my fingers guide me and give them all what they want. The writing process is different for everyone. So, I would tell an aspiring author, to follow their heart and do what's best for them instead of following the crowd. 

What is your writing Kryptonite?
  YouTube or social media. It's so easy to get sidetracked and click on one of them when I should be writing. So frustrating, and totally all my fault!

Do you try more to be original or to deliver to readers what they want?
  I'm an original. I will always write what I'm passionate about and not write to market. Why, you ask? I'm such a slow writer, that if I did, the market would have changed by the time I was ready to release!

If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?
  Don't be afraid. You can't fail, if you don't try and you can't edit a blank page. 

What’s the most difficult thing about writing characters from the opposite sex?
  I Love writing from a male POV. In fact, some of my author friends have even told me that I write male POV unlike anyone they've ever seen. Perhaps, it has something to do with being married to the same man for over 40 years! ;-) 

How long on average does it take you to write a book?
  Normally, it takes me seven months to a year from beginning to end. That would include, writing, editing and releasing.
 
Do you believe in writer’s block?
  Yes, I do. But, we all deal with it differently.  Normally, I would take a walk, listen to some music or just sit back and read a good book. For me, this puts everything into perspective and sometimes my best ideas come from just taking a break! 

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