Wednesday, February 25, 2015

Asking for Trouble by Anna J. Stewart Giveaway & Excerpt

A themed tour through Prism Book Tours.

Asking for Trouble (Tremayne Family, #1)Asking for Trouble
(Tremayne Family #1)
Anna J. Stewart
Adult Contemporary Romance
February 17th 2015 by Berkley InterMix


The Tremaynes are one of the most prosperous families in Lantano Valley, California. But money can’t buy everything—especially when it comes to love…

Morgan Tramayne has a heart of gold, but to keep her children’s charity afloat she’s had to resort to some less than legal means: donations from a notorious cat burglar who targets the wealthy. It’s only a matter of time before Morgan’s criminal connection blows up in her face—especially since her undeniable attraction to the man heading the investigation keeps putting her in tricky situations.

Former police detective-turned-investigator Gage Juliano has two goals: salvaging his career and nabbing Lantano Valley’s present-day Robin Hood. But when he meets a beautiful, curvaceous woman who’s more interested in helping others than amassing a fortune like the rest of the town’s residents, Gage finds his desires pulled in an unexpected direction…

Note: This novel contains some mature content.

Excerpt:
Most people assumed Gage’s innate ability to read people was a result of his fifteen years as a cop. But they were wrong. While his mother claimed he’d been born with a bullsh*t detector, Gage, the oldest of six, had honed the ability on his energetic, opinionated, and determined siblings. As far as Gage was concerned, his brothers and sisters were the best training a cop could have when it came to exposing the truth.
“I wasn’t aware Evan was establishing a task force.” The trace of tension in Jackson’s voice was what Gage expected given the turbulent climate surrounding Nemesis.
The Tremayne patriarch had become a trusted voice of reason in recent years, lending his expertise as the CEO of Tremayne Investment and Securities during the recent economic downturn. But Jackson had yet to be drawn into the continuing saga of the high-end burglar. Given the interest Agent Kolfax and the FBI had in the family—and it would take a lot more than a Post-it to convince Gage the Tremaynes were involved in anything untoward—a congenial relationship with them would be to his benefit. Beginning with Jackson Tremayne.
Tall and lean, his dark blond hair dusted with silver at the temples, Jackson carried himself with an air of sophistication that spoke of classic Hollywood glamour rather than successful business tycoon. But there was a sharpening in his gaze, as if Gage’s uttering the name Nemesis had spun the tumbler on the criminal’s secret vault.
“It hasn’t escaped our notice that Nemesis is targeting a good number of Evan’s campaign contributors,” Gage fibbed. “Many of whom I’m sure are here tonight. We’d all like Nemesis stopped, which is why Evan is making this case our top priority.”
“You don’t strike me as naïve, Inspector.” Jackson took a sip of his drink. “The national attention from capturing a high-profile criminal like Nemesis no doubt factors into Evan’s political plans.”
“It’s no secret he’s considering a run for Attorney General or even governor one day.” Not that Gage cared about Evan Marshall’s career plans. He only cared about bringing a criminal to justice. He owed that much to Brady Malloy. And if this case helped him decide on what his own future should be, he’d consider the information a bonus. “But you’re right. I’m not naïve.”
“I take it you don’t subscribe to the belief that Nemesis is a myth.” Morgan’s lighthearted tone flipped Gage’s frustration switch.
“Myths don’t kill people.” This wasn’t the first time he’d heard Nemesis referred to as an urban legend. Some people didn’t believe the string of robberies were connected despite Nemesis’ proclamations to the press.
The crook loved to call out his victims in the media—online, print, didn’t seem to matter how he reminded those who had more than most that they should be appreciative of their circumstance. He was a criminal giving morals lessons.
It appeared as if irony’s depths of ridiculousness had no limits.
“I’m sorry.” Gage didn’t care for the mingled surprise and disbelief he saw on her face. “The Nemesis case is personal for me. The original investigating officer was a good friend. It’s important I finish it for him.” Not that Gage solving the case could change what happened to Brady. “But now isn’t the time or place to discuss business.”
“I agree. Feel free to call my office for an appointment,” Jackson offered. “Enjoy your evening. Morgan, even though I know it’s the last thing on your mind tonight, do try to have a little fun. You deserve a break.”
“I will, Dad.” Morgan gave his arm a squeeze before Jackson disappeared into the growing crowd.
The smell of aged money mingled with cigar smoke, over-sprayed perfume, and more than a hint of superiority set Gage on the edge of unease. The collective din from farther inside the house echoed of spinning roulette wheels and cheers amid bets won and lost on the roll of the die.
Everyone around him looked as if they’d been painted into the picture, comfortable, in their element. What he wouldn’t give for a bottle of beer and a carton of Kung Pao. He gave Morgan a sheepish grin in the hopes of appeasing her.
“I hope you’re not disappointed in the change of plans. I know I’m not an up-and-coming politician—”
“And here I thought you were intelligent enough to have done your homework, Inspector.” Morgan’s green eyes sharpened like brittle glass as color flooded her cheeks. “If anything, the fact that you’re not a politician works in your favor. At least to me.”
Ah, much better. Gage accepted the drink delivered to him and plucked a flute of champagne off another server’s tray. His date was as quick as she was beautiful. And those legs. He’d be fantasizing about them for weeks. “Let’s start over, shall we? Inspector Gage Juliano.” He brought her hand to his mouth, brushed his lips over her knuckles. “It’s lovely to meet you, Miss Morgan Tremayne.” Her laugh threw his heart into an uneven tarantella. “You’re going to be trouble, aren’t you?”
Her smile tugged at the base of his heart. “Inspector, you have no idea.”


You’ve met Anna J. Stewart (or someone like her) before. She was the girl who spun in circles on the playground hoping her Wonder Woman costume would magically appear before playing cops and robbers a la Charlie’s Angels–as Sabrina (she was the smart one). Anna was the girl in the back of the class with a paperback romance hidden in her algebra book (and yes, she failed algebra).
Growing up in the 70′s and 80′s meant there weren’t a lot of YA books, so she ventured early into mainstream fiction and read Stephen King’s CARRIE at the age of 8. Discovering Nora Roberts and romance novels early in high school opened her eyes to the wonders of storytelling and the beauty of a happily ever after.

So here she is, many years later with an English degree from CSU Sacramento, an RWA Golden Heart nomination behind her, countless stories in her head, and a serious addiction to STAR TREK, SUPERNATURAL, and SHERLOCK. She recently wrapped up a nearly 8-year stint working as assistant to NYTimes bestselling author Brenda Novak where she helped run Brenda's annual online auction for diabetes research. When she's not writing or reading (which she never has enough time for!), she's working on dollhouse miniatures and tolerating her overly-affectionate cat named Snickers (or perhaps it's Snickers who tolerates her).


Tour-Wide Giveaway

$50 Gift Card (Winner's Choice of Amazon, BN or iTunes)
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