Kiss the Tiger by Raquel Lyon
Publication date: September 1st 2013
Genres: Contemporary, New Adult
Synopsis:
Amy’s love life sucks. At college, she thought she’d found the man of her dreams, but then she hadn’t planned on his brother’s sadistic intervention, and after that night, Amy’s life was never the same.
Deciding the only way to forget is to move on, she searches for comfort in the arms of other men, but the satisfaction she craves remains elusive. No amount of one night stands can replace her lost love.
On a long awaited summer holiday, her sister hopes to change Amy’s luck, planning to find them both plenty of sexy fun on the hot summer nights. Sadly, an unforeseen turn of events threatens to drive a wedge into their sisterly love.
Excerpt
The midday sun
had heated the air to an unbearable level, and I understood why the word siesta
existed in certain hot countries. In fact, it had turned into one of those days
where the only thing you want to do is open the refrigerator door and stand in
front of it. I couldn’t take it anymore, so I grabbed a quick bite to eat in
the cool of the air-conditioned snack bar and returned to my room, intending to
stick a film in the DVD player and chill out until the rays lengthened. The
opening credits were rolling when there was a knock on the door. It couldn’t be
the maid. When I’d returned, the bed was made and my top had gone to the big
dumpster in the sky.
I pressed pause. “Who is it?”
“Manager.”
What? Why? Had someone reported my drunken antics? Had Nessie not
cleaned up my mess properly and the maid had complained? Mum would love the
excuse that we were forced to go home because I got us thrown out of the hotel.
“Just a minute.” I quickly tied a sarong around my bikini bottoms
and opened the door, mentally preparing an apology, and totally unprepared for
the sight that met me.
Casually leaning with an elbow against the door jamb and one ankle
crossed over the other was a familiar figure. His dark head lifted with a
crooked smile.
Our eyes locked, and for one brief moment I was too shocked to
speak. A warm tingling radiated out from my chest, down my arms and legs, and
my body weakened. What was he doing here?
I managed to find my voice. “Manager, huh?”
“Figured you might not open up if you knew it was me.”
I’ll open anything you ask
me to.
Josh’s eyes flicked past my shoulders. “Are you alone?”
I nodded. “Yes.”
“Can I come in?”
I stepped back on shaky legs, and he squeezed through the gap,
brushing my arm with his as he passed. His electric touch gave my nerves
another jolt.
He walked over to the balcony access and slid it shut. “Are you
going to close the door?”
Hadn’t he just done that? I faltered for a second before realising
what I was holding. “Oh. Yeah. Right.” I let go of the handle. The door latch
caught, and I leaned back against the fire notice. I needed to sit down before
my legs gave way, but the only place to sit was the bed, and as much as I
wanted to, I couldn’t go there. He might get the wrong idea. So I went to the
dressing table and perched on the edge, hoping it was strong enough to support
me. An uncomfortable silence ensued.
Josh stared leisurely through the glass at the view, and I stared at
him. The white cotton of his T-shirt was fitted enough to show the contours of
his muscular back, and his hands in the pockets of his beige, linen shorts
stretched the material tight across his buttocks. My mouth went dry with an
overwhelming need to touch him. I couldn’t believe he was here, in my bedroom.
If I’d fallen asleep again, and was dreaming it all, I didn’t want to wake up.
Finally he spoke. “You stood me up.”
“I wouldn’t say that.”
“Okay, walked out on me.”
“Yeah.”
“Girls don’t do that.”
I bet they don’t. “Did I dent your pride?”
He swung around, and with two slow, purposeful strides, he was standing
in front of me, his nose six inches from my face. “No.” He angled his head. “I
understand why you left. It was a shock for me too.”
I struggled to keep my breath even. “It was?”
“You were the last girl I expected to see.”
“Sorry to disappoint.” Why was I smart mouthing him when he’d done
nothing to deserve it?
His lips curved into a smile. I’d never noticed his dimples before,
but then I’d never been lucky enough to see them this close. “I wasn’t
disappointed,” he said.
“Really? You’re not pissed you didn’t get the quick leg-over you
were expecting?” Shut up, Amy, before
your mouth ruins everything.
His eyes fell to my cleavage. “That’s Jacko, not me.”
The way he was undressing me with his eyes said otherwise.
An
Interview with Joshua Jackson Star of ‘Kiss the Tiger’ by Raquel Lyon
Welcome Joshua.
Tell us a little about yourself and your background.
Not
much to say, really. *rubs chin* I come from an average working class family:
Mum, dad, brother, conventional set-up. Mum’s an admin assistant; Dad’s an
accountant. It’s pretty mundane stuff. If you’re looking for drama you won’t
find it.
But things with
your brother were pretty dramatic, no?
We
fought. What brothers don’t?
I believe there was
a little more to it than that. Tell us about the events that led you to be in Greece.
My
brother’s always been a taker, but when he stole something from me, something
very dear to me. It caused a big upset in our family. I was in Greece at the
request of my parents. They demanded my brother and me reconcile.
And did you?
Haven’t
you read the story? All I’ll say is that, although the conflicts I’ve had with
Jacko have made me a stronger person, I’m through trying to make it work.
So Greece wasn’t a
holiday for you.
Hell,
no. I had to work every damn day. Of course, things looked up after Amy
arrived.
You first met Amy
at college, correct?
Yep.
What was your
initial impression of her?
She
had a great rack!
And seriously?
What
makes you think I wasn’t being serious? *shrugs* Okay, she intrigued me.
Why did you give up
on her so easily, back then?
After
what happened, I thought I’d be a constant reminder. I couldn’t put her through
any more pain.
Have you ever
discussed what happened?
Not
in detail. And we never will. Amy dealt with it in her own way, and we’ve moved
on. Can we change the subject, please?
Okay. What do you
love most about her?
That’s
easy. I love the way she stares at me when she thinks I’m not looking. She acts
all cool and aloof when, secretly, I know she can’t wait to get into my pants.
I can see why
*blushes* How did you feel when you first saw Amy again?
The
old feelings came rushing back. I knew I couldn’t let her go again, but I was
nervous about how we would overcome the barrier of my brother.
That’s
understandable. So, what would you say is the overall theme of your story?
*Silently
contemplates the question* Sometimes life throws you a curveball, but never
give up hope.
Tell us about your
tattoo.
Oh
yeah, you like it? I’ve had it since college. My mate and I got bored, one
time, and decided to get inked up. I chose something that represented personal power
and the ability to overcome obstacles. *chuckles* My mate put his ex’s name in
a heart. He’s still regretting that one.
Yes, I bet. So,
tell me. What makes you happy?
Being
with my girl.
Naturally. Now, if
you don’t mind, I’d like to do a quick fire five.
Okay.
Where would your
dream vacation be?
A
secluded beach with only Amy for company.
What do you wear in
bed?
Nothing,
babycakes. *winks*
Who was your first
love?
My
motorbike.
Three words that
best describe you.
Persistent,
loyal, *cocks eyebrow* sexy.
Who would play you
in a movie?
Hmm…
A young Rob Lowe would be good, or, I know, Colton Haynes. Yeah, he’s a cool
guy.
What’s next for Josh
and Amy? A beach wedding in Greece?
*laughs*
Good one. No. Amy wants to return to Greece for a holiday, but I’ll be
taking her to a different island, far away from my brother. At the moment,
we’re both busy with our careers and enjoying life. As for marriage, let’s just
say you’ll have to watch this space.
Well, thank you for
the interview, Josh. I had fun.
No
problem, sweetcheeks.
AUTHOR BIO:
Most of Raquel’s childhood was spent taking long walks in the beautiful English countryside with only her imaginary friends for company. She has lived around Pendle Hill, a magical mysterious place, all her life and has always been interested in the folklore surrounding it. Some of her favourite places have been the inspiration for her books’ settings.
She currently lives near Pendle Hill with her partner, two teenage daughters, and bunny rabbit Florence.
AUTHOR BIO:
