Author: Ani Keating
Genre: Contemporary RomanceRelease Date: November 17, 2015
Publisher: Samhain Publishing, Ltd.
Description:
Thirty nights. Two hearts. One fate.
American Beauty, Book 1
After her parents’ tragic deaths, Elisa Snow wanted nothing more than to escape her past. Eighteen and alone, she fled her quaint English village and moved to the United States. A starving science student by day and an artist’s muse by night, Elisa has slowly built a new life. She never dreamed she would lose everything again.
She’s one week from graduation when her visa is unexpectedly denied. Given thirty days to leave the country, she must face the one thing she cannot survive again—saying goodbye and leaving her home. Yet within minutes of her world shattering, she meets a man with the power to piece it back together.
After finishing his tour of duty in Iraq, Aiden Hale traded battlefields for boardrooms, becoming one of the most successful venture capitalists in the nation. But all his wealth can’t buy him reprieve from the horrific memories of war. The only thing that gives him peace is a painting of Elisa.
Drawn together by their invisible wounds, they begin a passionate affair as they race against the clock to defy their pasts—and fight for their future.
Earlier versions of this book were posted on the author’s blog under the titles of The Master’s Muse and 30 Nights of Snow, using the pen name Ani Surnois, and has since been extensively edited.
Warning: Contains a blistering exploration of desire, sacrifice and redemption…and love’s power to equalize us in ways laws cannot.
Advance Praise:
“. . . [R]efreshing to discover a strong female protagonist, unwilling to compromise her morals and integrity for anyone, even her true love. . . I will be waiting patiently and excitedly for Book 2.”
“…Outstanding! Second to none! I consider myself very lucky to have found your story. I am so there for [sequel]!”
“I could pick out your writing anywhere, anytime and any place because you write like no other! Your style is incredibly unique and creative and rarely matched in this arena. I have several favorite authors, all incredibly talented, of which you are one. Your style certainly sets you apart.”
“. . . a must-read so good, that it is dangerous. . .”
“… This story is rich, pure, and a complete work of art on its own. . .”
“I want to read whatever you write forever. I couldn't put this down, but found myself slowing my pace to make it last longer, knowing it was soon coming to an end. I love [what] you've done with your characters, who they are, who they'll be. I would buy 100 advance copies of your book if it meant I wouldn't have to wait to read part 2!”
“I have felt a strong connection with this story from the very start, and it has been a one-of-a-kind experience watching it grow into the phenomenon that it is today. Thank you so much for this incredible ride. . . One day when your book becomes an international bestseller, I will look back and fondly remember that I was there when it all began :-)”
“. . . You have given me and many others a voice. . .”
“What you have created here is nothing short of brilliance! Seriously, there is none other like it... You cover subjects like PTSD and Immigration realistically and with sensitivity, dignity and respect... is absolutely brilliant!”
“I am a loyal reader, waking every Sunday to check for my [Thirty Nights] update, then proceeding to sit on the patio with my coffee and read (my Sunday ritual). . . Now that we are at the end of book 1 my only thoughts for you would be please don't make us wait to long to find out where these characters journey is going because [I] think it will kill me!”
EXCERPT 4: THE BEDROOM
We walk through a hallway along the ubiquitous glass wall, our footfalls echoing on the polished hardwood floor. Over the sound system, Neil Diamond croons about a girl becoming a woman. We walk past six open doors and stop at one that is slightly ajar. He opens it and steps to the side. I enter, feeling like I am walking into a haunted house and a dream at once.
It’s his bedroom.
Everything here is gray and cream too, but my attention is riveted by the walls. Here are my paintings. All of them, side by side on the wall facing his bed. The one with my neck is first, then my shoulder, my waist and finally my leg. As though he is undressing me for the very first time. The bottom of my belly tightens violently at the thought.
“In your bedroom? Not where I expected them,” I say, trying and failing to control my blush.
“Where did you expect them?”
“I don’t know, to be honest. But not here.”
“Well, my office seemed inappropriate.” He chuckles, shaking his head, as if he really considered the idea.
My eyes flit to the enormous, cream-colored bed. Resting on it are a white shirt and a pair of knickers. I walk over and pick up the knickers gingerly. My immediate feeling is relief. It’s not a thong. It’s a silk bikini, the color of my skin, with lace only on the sides. I almost jump him in gratitude but that would not help me at all.
“Relieved?” he asks, amused.
“Yes, very much. I was imagining a lot worse.”
“Worse? Hmm, I’d use the term ‘better’. Believe me, I drove myself mad thinking of the options.” He caresses my lower lip. It burns at his touch.
“I’ll let you get ready. Not a good idea if I’m here.” He winks and saunters out of his bedroom.
The moment the door closes behind him, I sink on the floor. Deep breaths, deep breaths. Hydrogen, 1.008. Helium, 4.003. Lithium 6.94… Oh Isa, don’t be such a baby. It’s just a shirt. I stand up, the wine fortifying me a little, grab the shirt and the knickers, and march to what I think is his restroom. The lights brighten again. The restroom is massive, like everything else in the house, but I don’t have enough presence of mind to analyze my surroundings. I turn my back on the mirror, afraid I’ll lose the nerve.
I slide on the knickers, ignoring the way they feel against my sensitized skin. A small but rapid pulse beats between my legs against the delicate silk. I take his shirt and have the urge to smell it. Sandalwood and Aiden. As I inhale his scent, I realize he has already worn this shirt, maybe even today, perhaps to mark it as his. The thought sends me into near convulsions but also, oddly, gives me some courage. Maybe he knew I would be nervous but unable to resist wearing it, knowing it had been on him. I put it on, and his scent brands my skin.
Thirty Nights
©2015 Ani Keating
Thirty Nights was originally posted online on fanfiction and on Ani’s popular blog. Over the course of eight short months, the story received more than half-million hits, 63,000 visitors, over 1,000 followers, and over 3,000 reviews and messages. It will be released for everyone on November 17, 2015. Its sequel, Ninety Days, is currently in the drafting stage.
When she is not writing, Ani spends endless hours at Powell’s Bookstore, exploring classics and latest releases. She also likes to stroll through the Portland Rose Garden, drool over shoes on any store window, and dance to everything from Beyoncé to Johnny Cash.
Author Links:
Web Site: www.anikeating.com
Twitter: @AniKeating
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ani.surnois
For inquires related to signings and book and movie rights, please contact her agent at stacy@reasonmgmt.com.
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Wow, this book sounds so powerful. It sounds like a fine silk and a must read ~ !
ReplyDeleteThanks what a great story.
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