One Hot Author: Liia Ann White & GIVEAWAY!!!

My very good friend and one of my favorite authors, Liia Ann White stops by today to share an excerpt of her newest release: ONE HOT AUSTRALIAN NIGHT! Leave a comment and be entered to win a copy of your very own!

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Xavier entered the swanky hotel and his heart raced. He still couldn’t believe he was doing this. Meeting a complete stranger for a night of sex. He’d never had a one-night stand in his life. He preferred to sleep with a woman he cared for, rather than a stranger he’d probably never see again.

Nearly a month after selling the house he’d shared with his wife, Xavier let Erik convince him it was time to start fresh. To move on to bigger and better things. His brother was right—he had to move on with his life—but a part of him remained dubious.

As a big time corporate lawyer, Xavier didn’t let much intimidate him, but the thought of meeting and sleeping with a woman on the same night had him shaking in his boots. He’d only had three sexual partners in his life and married Honoria at twenty-one. He hadn’t slept with a stranger in over ten years. After checking into the exclusive Castillo Hotel, he entered the private penthouse elevator and ascended to his room.

Thanks to some American contacts, Erik had been introduced to Jack Castillo, owner of the hotel and resort chain. When he decided to open a hotel in Melbourne, Jack decided he wouldn’t deal with any other law firm. Xavier still didn’t understand how exactly Erik managed that, but he didn’t protest. What he did complain about was his brother discussing Xavier’s romantic “dilemma” with the hotelier.

While they were out to dinner to celebrate their lucrative business venture, Jack gave Xavier the contact details of an elusive dating agency owner named Madame Evangeline. Five drinks and a few incoherent thoughts later, he decided to fill out the online form and get back in the dating game.

Butterflies thudded in his stomach as the elevator dinged and opened to a large foyer. Stepping into the room, he gazed around with slight awe. He’d stayed in plenty of penthouses and hotel suites previously, but this was the epitome of luxury. No expense had been spared when furnishing the rooms. Every item of furniture he saw was Eco Chic; a luxury brand of eco-friendly furniture that he loved. His home and office were both decked out with their items. Two lounges sat in the living room to the right of the foyer, with a room service tray that held complimentary champagne and a plate of strawberry fruit cups. His favorite dessert.

Checking his watch, he noted it was seven-fifteen p.m. Of course, he was early—he always arrived early. With a low sigh, he decided to check out the rest of the suite before his date showed up.

His thoughts traveled to the woman he’d meet. He only knew she was a twenty-eight year old business owner looking to broaden her horizons. Whatever the hell that meant. He’d considered responding negatively to her profile, but he read on and found they had the same tastes in movies, music, TV shows, travel, and even food. They were both vegan. That had sealed it for him. It was hard enough finding a decent woman in this city, let alone a vegan.

***

Zalia glanced at her watch on the elevator ride to the Castillo Hotel penthouse. Seven-thirty on the dot. Right on time. A wave of nausea hit as the elevator rode higher. Nerves. Her first date in three years, and she’d be sleeping with him. This stranger who, although perfect for her on paper, could be completely wrong for her in reality. She still had time to back out. She could press the emergency stop button and leave the hotel without looking back. But Kara would never let her live it down. They had an agreement; if this man wasn’t right for her, she’d leave Zalia alone and let her live out her life as she planned—waiting around for the right guy to show up.

The elevator dinged and the doors opened. Too late to back out now. Excitement and nerves bundled together. Though this guy was probably up for a quick fuck and would leave during the night, he could also be her Prince Charming.

Stepping into the brilliant marble foyer, her stiletto heels clacked loudly against the floor. Zalia entered the living area to the right, wondering if her date was already here. She shouldn’t have been surprised when greeted by an empty room—what man was on time for anything? Her brother had even been late for his own wedding.

With a small chuckle, she strode across to the large window to appraise the city lights while she waited. It had taken a month for Madame Eve to find her the right date. Zalia hoped he was worth the wait. She dropped her handbag on the floor and folded her arms, leaning against the cold window, losing herself in thoughts of what the guy would look like.

The clearing of a man’s throat cut those thoughts short. Startled, she turned and found an Adonis standing a few feet from her.

Holy fuck, he’s gorgeous.

Starting from the bottom, she ran her gaze over him, suddenly eager and wanton rather than nervous. He wore a pair of tailored pants that clung to his muscular thighs, hanging low on his hips to show a lean figure. A dark dress shirt with rolled up sleeves left a peek of sinewed arms that Zalia couldn’t wait to have wrapped around her. Then there was his face. He possessed the chiseled features male models dreamed of having, a strong jaw, full, kissable lips, soft, rounded nose, high cheekbones, and perfectly almond-shaped eyes framed by long, black lashes. His dark blond, almost brown hair had been styled into layers that touched the nape of his neck. He stood in a stance that projected confidence and importance.

Sex on legs. Madam Eve would definitely be getting a thank you from her.

When Zalia noticed he assessed her as she did him, her nerves returned. She was no supermodel—in fact, far from it. At a size 16, she was healthy and happy with her body, but most men wanted small, petite women, not bigger, self-assured women.

***UPDATE***

AND THE WINNER IS… LAURA KAYE!
Big, huge thanks to everyone who stopped by!