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- Extract: I Do......or Do I? by Karen King
Wednesday, 9 November 2016
I do........or do I? by Karen King
Release Date: 12th May 2016
Publisher: Accent Press Ltd
Publisher: Accent Press Ltd
Genres: Romantic Comedy
Local journalist Cassie is getting
married to hot-shot lawyer, reliable Timothy, and his mother Sylvia, who Cassie
has nicknamed ‘Monster-in-Law’, wants to plan the entire wedding. When Sylvia
books the exclusive ID Images to take photographs of the extravagant do, Cassie
has no idea what she’s walking into.
The elusive JM, ID Images’ newest photographer, just so happens to be Jared, Cassie’s first love and ex-fiancé, who broke off their engagement to travel and take photos of far-reaching wonders. He’s back to pay for his next wild adventure.
Cassie decides it’s best to pretend not to know him, but when she’s asked to write an article for her newspaper, she’s tasked with a column surrounding all things wedding related. When Cassie jokingly writes a column meant for herself depicting her situation, a co-worker submits it in place of the real article and it’s soon making headlines, with readers asking the age old question - Who Will She Choose?
The elusive JM, ID Images’ newest photographer, just so happens to be Jared, Cassie’s first love and ex-fiancé, who broke off their engagement to travel and take photos of far-reaching wonders. He’s back to pay for his next wild adventure.
Cassie decides it’s best to pretend not to know him, but when she’s asked to write an article for her newspaper, she’s tasked with a column surrounding all things wedding related. When Cassie jokingly writes a column meant for herself depicting her situation, a co-worker submits it in place of the real article and it’s soon making headlines, with readers asking the age old question - Who Will She Choose?
EXTRACT
Jared
must have seen the panic in her eyes because he quickly composed himself and
shook Sylvia’s hand. ‘Delighted to meet you. And this must be the bride-to-be.’
He smiled at Cassie as if he’d never met her before. Never held her in his arms,
kissed her, made love to her, promised that he’d love her forever and then
walked out on her.
She’d often imagined seeing Jared again, wondered how
she’d react. Now it all came flooding back and all she could do was remember
how utterly devastated she’d felt when he’d walked out on her.
Get a grip, Cassie told herself. That was years ago.
You’re over it now. You’re marrying Timothy. Jared is history.
She was suddenly aware that Jared was holding out his
hand to her and Sylvia was watching her curiously. She forced a smile on her
face and shook his hand, desperately hoping she showed no sign that his touch
still made her tingle.
‘Miss Tyler,’ he said smoothly.
‘Call me Cassie,’ she told him. ‘Sorry I kept
you waiting.’
‘Not a problem.’
How she wished she’d arrived on time. Jared used to tease
her about being late. He probably thought she was still as ditzy as she was
back then. If only she’d put on one of her power suits instead of a maxi dress,
then she would have looked sophisticated and professional. Like she’d changed;
which she had.
Oh God, she was still holding his hand. What must Sylvia
think? She quickly removed her hand, tore her gaze from those big brown eyes,
and tried to act as if her body wasn’t zinging at his touch. Just like it
always had.
‘Take a seat, ladies, and tell me exactly what sort of
photographs you’re looking for.’ He glanced down at his notes. ‘I see that the
wedding is only two months away.’
‘Yes, we decided against a long engagement,’ Sylvia
replied as if she was the bride. She sat down in one of the plush dark brown
chairs and indicated for Cassie to take the other seat. ‘Timothy and Cassandra
got engaged on Valentine’s Day and we thought a summer wedding would be lovely.
Especially when we managed to secure Hollington Castle,’ she paused to make
sure this announcement had the desired effect.
Jared nodded, looking suitably impressed, and Sylvia
continued, ‘I know it’s short notice but Daniel assured me you’d be able to fit
us in.’ She was letting him know that she was on first name terms with the
director of the company.
Jared nodded again. ‘We’ve had a cancellation for that
date, so yes, we can accommodate you both.’ His gaze flicked to Cassie then
back to Sylvia. ‘Would you like a cup of coffee while we discuss the
arrangements?’
‘Thank you. Black with no sugar, please.’
Jared raised an eyebrow questioningly at Cassie. ‘And for
you, Cassie?’
‘Black with no sugar for me too, please,’ she replied.
That would surprise him. She always used to have white coffee with two sugars.
The Cassie he used to know had a sweet tooth. At least that was one thing that
had changed. Except it hadn’t, really, she was only drinking black coffee to
make sure she could get into her wedding dress. Well, to be honest she was
drinking black coffee in front of Timothy and his mother because they would
frown and remind her about needing to get into the wedding dress. When they
weren’t around she still took her coffee with milk and sugar. She thought
longingly of the iced mocha she’d be enjoying with Sam later.
Jared pressed the intercom and asked the receptionist to
bring in the coffees, then he leant forward, linked his hands under his chin,
and gave Cassie the benefit of his full attention. Devastating. She quickly
averted her gaze. ‘Now, tell me about the wedding,’ he said. ‘It’s important
that I get a feel of the atmosphere you’re trying to create so I know what tone
to set with the photos. We aim to be professional but not intrusive. And please
don’t hesitate to ask any questions you might have. We want our clients to be
completely happy and relaxed on their special day. We won’t take offence at all
if you decide that we aren’t the right photographers for you.’
You’re not! Cassie’s mind was screaming.
You’re the very last person I want as my photographer. Ever. For a moment she
feared she’d uttered the words aloud, but Sylvia was now talking to Jared, so
clearly it was all in her head
Buy Links
Amazon - http://bookgoodies.com/a/B01CGKLOKQ
Accent Press http://www.accentpress.co.uk/i-do-or-do-i
Book Depository - http://www.bookdepository.com/book/9781910939352
Author Bio
A member of the Romantic
Novelists' Association, the Society of Authors and the Society of Women Writers
and Journalists, Karen King writes sassy, contemporary romance just right for
reading on the beach. 'I do - or do I?' is her first chick-lit for Accent Press and
has recently been nominated for the RONA. She has been contracted for two more
chick-lit novels. In addition, Accent Press have republished her earlier
romance novels, The Millionaire Plan
and Never Say Forever.
Karen has also written several
short stories for women’s magazine and had 120 children's books published.
When she isn’t writing,
Karen likes travelling, watching the ‘soaps’ and reading. Give her a good book
and a box of chocolates and she thinks she’s in Heaven.
Author links
Website: http://www.karenking.net/
Twitter: @karen_king
Pinterest: https://uk.pinterest.com/karenkingauthor/
Thank you so much for hosting me on your wonderful blog. :)