The Congressman's Wife

The Congressman's Wife

by Arie Pavlou & Charlene Keel

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GENRE:   Contemporary Women's Fiction

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BLURB:

All Eden Bancroft has ever been to her high-profile politician husband is a trophy wife, born and bred for the part.  She believes she has no choice but to play it—until she meets a talented chef and restaurant heir who shows her the real meaning of love. 
The more her husband uses and belittles her, the more deeply Eden falls for Kaleb.  Even with Mitchell’s congressional campaign in full swing, the lovers manage to find brief stolen moments together. When her husband is wounded by a bullet from an angry lobbyist, Eden must stay by his side.  What she learns can set her free, if she has the courage to take a stand.
“The beautiful wife of a would-be congressman falls for a sexy chef in this steamy debut novel . . . A spicy outing that should feed readers’ hunger for romance.”
—Kirkus Reviews
“The Congressman’s Wife is a thrilling roller-coaster ride from beginning to end: fast-paced, sizzling with sex, yet constantly balanced on the edge of disaster . . . This is unquestionably one of the best books I have read . . .”
—ReadersFavorite.com

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EXCERPT:

Kaleb had been standing close enough to hear it all—not that he’d intended to eavesdrop.  He only wanted to try and give her some kind of signal—to beg, if necessary—to get a moment alone with her.  When he heard her husband’s caustic words, Kaleb wanted to punch him.  He wanted to take Eden’s hand and lead her out of there, away from the complete jackass her husband seemed to be.

            

Instead, he followed her into the room where coats were checked for the evening.  The maid who’d taken them was nowhere about, and Eden was digging through the racks when Kaleb walked in.  She looked up, surprised.

“We need to talk about it,” he said.

“About what?”  She found her wrap and Mitchell’s Brooks Brothers overcoat, draped them over one arm and turned to face him.

“About this thing between us.” 

“That’s not very original.”

“I feel it and I know you feel it.”

            

“Look, I’m very flattered,” she began but he cut her off.

“We don’t have much time.”  He moved closer, aching to touch her.  “Your husband will come looking for you any minute.  Just tell me when and where I can see you again.  Alone.”

“You can’t,” she said.  “My husband is running for congress.  It’s . . . it would be impossible.”

“No,” he insisted.  “I don’t know why we met or how we’re going to pull this off but I do know one thing.”  He was speaking so softly now that she had to move closer to hear him.

“What?” she asked, her lips just inches from his own.  They were of equal height and he could see how well, how perfectly, they would fit together.

“I won’t give up.  I want to make love to you.”

“At least once?” she countered.

He moved closer still.  “Once will never be enough for us.  You know that, too.”

She sighed, lightly, and her sweet breath lingered on his cheek for a moment before she moved away and broke the spell.

            

“My husband is waiting for me,” she said.  “You’re a little crazy, you know?  You need to forget about this.  I’m married.  I have kids.  I don’t have time for an affair.”

“Have lunch with me.”

“Sorry—too busy.”

“Just let me talk to you.  Give me two hours—maybe over the weekend.  Then if you never want to hear from me again, that’ll be it.  I swear.”

            

She didn’t say anything for a moment, as if she was considering it.  “As intriguing as that sounds, I’m afraid it’s impossible.  I’m going to the season opening at the Village Resort up in Hunter this weekend, with my best friend.”

“Your husband going too?” Kaleb persisted.

“No.  He has a previous engagement.  Not that it’s any of your business.”

He opened his mouth to answer but Mitchell’s voice rang out in the foyer.  “Edie—let’s go.  Where are you?”

She flashed Kaleb a warning look and called out softly, “Coming, Mitchell.”  Then she left, quickly, before her husband could see Kaleb standing in the shadows.

MY REVIEW

I thought the book was very well written. It was fast paced and filled with all the angst the situation called for.  It took me awhile to warm up to the male main character. Before he had any knowledge of the situation between the congressman and his wife he sets out to charm her and have her for himself. I thought the other characters were nicely done. The villain in the piece was a truly terrible man whom I disliked intensely. Of course it takes good writing to get such an emotional reaction. I thought the political parts of the book were well done too. They didn't overwhelm at all, but they did show you the congressman's character. The sex scenes were open door. All in all I'd give it 4 stars.

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AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Charlene Keel has written over a dozen novels and how-to books as well as multiple episodes of popular TV shows such as Fantasy Island and Days of our Lives.  Her Dell book, Rituals, was the basis for the first made-for-syndication soap opera.  Recently she co-authored The Tracks, a YA supernatural trilogy.  Shadow Train, the final installment, won a Paranormal Romance Guild Reviewer’s Choice Award.  Keel has also written screen adaptations of novels by bestselling authors, and has worked as editor or managing editor for a few international magazines.  In her spare time she ghostwrites books and screenplays for celebrities, doctors, corporate moguls, spies, strippers and anyone who has an interesting story to tell. 

For more information:

Website: CharleneKeel.net

Follow Charlene on Twitter

Charlene Keel on Facebook

Blog: Red Sky Book Blog

Arie Pavlou is a popular chef who attended Le Cordon Bleu in Paris and then perfected his craft at some of the top-rated Michelin restaurants in France and New York.  He has lived and worked in France, Cyprus and the U. S. and is an avid world traveler who speaks five languages.  He enjoys all sports and has a talent for knife-throwing, which he perfected at Le Cordon Bleu.  Currently Chef de Cuisine at the renowned Bridgehampton Inn in New York, his specialties include Caramelized Baked Alaska, Winter Salad, Roast Lamb Fondue, Wild Game and Poached Pears with Mint Ice Cream.  The Congressman’s Wife is his first novel, and he’s currently writing a cookbook. 

For more information:

Arie Pavlou on Facebook

Purchase The Congressman's Wife (The Congressman Trilogy Book 1)

The book is on sale for $0.99.

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GIVEAWAY INFORMATION and RAFFLECOPTER CODE

Arie Pavlou & Charlene Keel will be awarding a $10 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review: Lost Treasures of the Heart

Lost Treasures of the Heart

by Charlie Most & Charlene Keel

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GENRE:   Blended Genre (Contemporary, Historical, Paranormal)

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BLURB:

Architect Jonathan West is on a big project when he learns his wife has been unfaithful. On a fishing trip in North Carolina’s Outer Banks, he’s wondering what to do about his marriage when he sees a ghost ship. On it is a spectral woman, gazing at him with a plea in her eyes.

Jonathan buys a house on the beach near the sighting and finds an old sea chest washed up there. Its contents, including a miniature portrait, reveal that it belonged to Kate Russell, captain of the Royal Thomas, which sank in 1721.

It’s the same woman Jonathan saw on the ghost ship, and her journal describes in her own words a life of piracy and sweeping romance. As past and present collide, he starts seeing her everywhere, waking and sleeping. With a haunting desperation, he senses she wants something from him. If he can figure it out and find a way to help her, he believes her spirit will finally rest. 

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EXCERPT

Ghost Ship Sighting

There was something about the place that connected with him the moment he stepped inside.  He couldn’t have described it.  He just . . . liked it.  It felt right.  It was the right house.  The house he wanted.  The house that wanted him.  As soon as the thought occurred to him, he realized how bizarre it was.

Dinner was delicious—steak, shrimp and some of the fish they’d caught the day before, all grilled to perfection.  The men laughed and joked and told tall tales about previous experiences out at sea, trying to ignore the fury of the storm.  Finally, the weather settled down a bit.  Jonathan decided to turn in.

After he’d brushed his teeth and packed his bags, he went out on the deck for one more lung full of ocean air.  The rain had become a gentle mist, although dark clouds still roiled in the sky above.  Jim, Mike and Tim were on the deck too, smoking cigars and sipping bourbon.  After exchanging a few words, each man drifted into his own private thoughts, looking beyond the beach, out at the tempestuous sea.

Suddenly thunder boomed louder than Jonathan had ever heard it.  There was a bright flash of lightning and a volley of huge raindrops pounded the deck and the men standing there.  They took shelter beneath the big umbrella so they could watch the storm.  Rain poured from the sky like a waterfall for a minute or so and then, as suddenly as it had started, it stopped.  The moon came out, full and bright, and as it dipped through the departing clouds it rendered some of the most beautiful colors Jonathan had ever seen—silver, white, violet and dark navy blue with touches of pink at the edges.  The three men went to the porch railing and gazed out at the eerie stillness.

As the moon climbed in an inky sky, a mist rose from the sea and for a moment Jonathan felt an almost transcendent calm steal over him.  Stars were beginning to dot the night canopy and he stared into the distance, out at the horizon.

And what he saw there made him draw in his breath and hold it for a moment.

Patches of mist and fog drifted, separated, came together and separated again.  The moon reflected off the surface of the water and shone through the mist, making it sparkle like diamonds.  Then it separated once more, for just a few seconds, and in the distance he saw a dark shadow drifting slowly, gliding across the surface of the water.  It entered a patch of moonlight and he could see it clearly, sharply outlined in the glow.  It was a ship—and he saw a woman standing on the bow.  Like the ship, she was from another era—one long since passed.  Her vessel was old and square-rigged, and its sails were unfurled to capture the wind.  There was something about it—and about the woman—that was achingly familiar.  As if he should know it.  As if he should know her.

She turned then, and he got a glimpse of her pale face and long red hair.

And her eyes.

She looked directly into his, her own glinting in the moonlight with unshed tears.  Her gaze was full of sorrow.  He had never seen eyes so full of pleading.  It hit him like a sucker punch to the gut.

She wanted something from him.

 “What the hell?” Jim said under his breath.

“You see it too?” Jonathan asked, still staring at the ethereal woman, feeling like he was in a dream.

“Yeah,” Tim said, also staring.  “It’s a ship—like, one of those old-timey ships you see in pirate movies.”  Mike also seemed mesmerized.  He didn’t speak.

The ship was about a hundred feet long and traveling at twelve or thirteen knots, the best Jonathan could tell.  The biggest sail was in the center and it had two or three smaller sails in front.  They all watched in a silence that was almost reverent, for maybe five seconds, until it drifted into another patch of fog.

Then the fog lifted.  The ship was gone.

“What the hell was that?” Mike asked.

After a moment, Jim spoke. “Ghost ship,” he said quietly.  “Never seen one before now and wish I hadn’t seen this one.  I didn’t think they really existed but they sure as hell do.”

Jonathan didn’t know how to react and he didn’t trust his voice.  As ridiculous as he knew it was, he thought if he tried to talk he would start crying.  The experience was that deep, that profound.  Even when the ship was gone, the image of it remained burned into his brain, engraved into his consciousness.

He’d seen a ghost ship—and seeing it meant something.  It was important.

He would never forget it.  After a moment, when he could be sure he wouldn’t give way to the emotion that was trying to take over, he asked, “Did you see—was there anyone on board?”

Tim shook his head and Mike said, “No—it was just an old sailing ship.  It was there, though.  We all saw it.  And then it just disappeared.”

Jonathan walked along the deck, still searching the horizon for any sign of the mysterious ship, wondering what he had just witnessed.  Something new was pulling at him, something powerful and strange—a yearning he couldn’t name, one he knew would consume him if he didn’t satisfy it.  

My Review:

This was a good read. I enjoyed the story on two levels. One, it was interesting to see the disintegration of a marriage that had been troubled for some time, and two, I loved the combination of the past and the present. I've always been fascinated by ghost ships and the like so this book was right up my alley. The way it was written I got goosebumps a time or two. I thought I saw the ending coming, but it was quite satisfactory anyway. 4 out of 5 stars.

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AUTHOR Bio and Links:

The sea has always played a dominant part in Charlie Most’s life. It seemed to be calling him, even as a child, bringing calm when he seemed intent on raising hell. As an adult, he channeled his restless energy into successfully running his construction company, Baltimore Steel Erectors. One moonlit night, while fishing in the Outer Banks, Most and his pals saw the silhouette of an ancient square-rigged vessel skirting across the horizon. They all watched as it disappeared once again into the Graveyard of the Atlantic, and the mists of eternity. That moment changed his life forever and he knew he had a story to tell. Lost Treasures of the Heart is his first novel.

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16092466.Charlie_Most

Charlene Keel has written over a dozen novels and how-to books. Shadow Train, the final installment of her YA supernatural trilogy, won a Paranormal Romance Guild Reviewer’s Choice Award, and The Congressman’s Wife (for Red Sky Presents) is getting rave reviews. Her new blended-genre novel, Lost Treasures of the Heart, has just been released.

Keel has also worked as editor for international magazines, including Playgirl, For the Bride and Black Elegance.  She says the most fun she’s had as an editor (so far) was at Spice, a fanzine featuring rap, R&B, soul and gospel music. During her time there, she enjoyed going to parties for such notables as Puff Daddy, having lunch with Gloria Gaynor and attending a pasta dinner where Mariah Carey did the cooking. 

Keel’s editorial assignments include The Health of Nations, a book on political philosophy, and That Nation Might Live, a moving tribute to Sarah Bush Lincoln, Abraham Lincoln’s stepmother. Her TV credits include Fantasy Island and Days of Our Lives, and her book, Rituals, was the basis for the first made-for-syndication soap opera. She also produced (for Romantic Times) the first annual Mr. Romance Cover Model Pageant.

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/680918.Charlene_Keel

http://charlenekeel.net/

https://www.facebook.com/charlene.keel.1

http://www.twitter.com/CharleneKeel

Buy Links:

Lost Treasures of the Heart will be $0.99 during tour.

Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/Lost-Treasures-Heart-Haunting-Adventure/dp/1539725731

Barnes and Noble:

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/lost-treasures-of-the-heart-jesse-sanchez/1125212185

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GIVEAWAY INFORMATION and RAFFLECOPTER CODE

Charlie Most & Charlene Keel will be awarding a $10 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Congressman's Wife

The Congressman’s Wife

by Charlene Keel

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

GENRE: Contemporary Romance

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

BLURB:

All Eden Bancroft has ever been to her high-profile politician husband is a trophy wife, born and bred for the part. She believes she has no choice but to play it—until she meets a talented chef and restaurant heir who makes her feel loved for herself alone. The more her husband uses and belittles her, the more deeply Eden falls for Kaleb. Even with Mitchell’s congressional campaign in full swing, the lovers manage to find brief stolen moments together. When her husband is wounded by a bullet from a disgruntled lobbyist, Eden must stay by his side. What she learns can set her free, if she has the courage to take a stand.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

EXCERPT:

Kaleb had been standing close enough to hear it all—not that he’d intended to eavesdrop.  He only wanted to try and give her some kind of signal—to beg, if necessary—to get a moment alone with her.  When he heard her husband’s caustic words, Kaleb wanted to punch him.  He wanted to take Eden’s hand and lead her out of there, away from the complete jackass her husband seemed to be.

Instead, he followed her into the room where coats were checked for the evening.  The maid who’d taken them was nowhere about, and Eden was digging through the racks when Kaleb walked in.  She looked up, surprised.

“We need to talk about it,” he said.

“About what?”  She found her wrap and Mitchell’s Brooks Brothers overcoat, draped them over one arm and turned to face him.

“About this thing between us.”

“That’s not very original.”

“I feel it and I know you feel it.”

“Look, I’m very flattered,” she began but he cut her off.

“We don’t have much time.”  He moved closer, aching to touch her.  “Your husband will come looking for you any minute.  Just tell me when and where I can see you again.  Alone.”

“You can’t,” she said.  “My husband is running for congress.  It’s . . . it would be impossible.”

“No,” he insisted.  “I don’t know why we met or how we’re going to pull this off but I do know one thing.”  He was speaking so softly now that she had to move closer to hear him.

“What?” she asked, her lips just inches from his own.  They were of equal height and he could see how well, how perfectly, they would fit together.

“I won’t give up.  I want to make love to you.”

“At least once?” she countered.

He moved closer still.  “Once will never be enough for us.  You know that, too.”

She sighed, lightly, and her sweet breath lingered on his cheek for a moment before she moved away and broke the spell.

“My husband is waiting for me,” she said.  “You’re a little crazy, you know?  You need to forget about this.  I’m married.  I have kids.  I don’t have time for an affair.”

“Have lunch with me.”

“Sorry—too busy.”

“Just let me talk to you.  Give me two hours—maybe over the weekend.  Then if you never want to hear from me again, that’ll be it.  I swear.”

She didn’t say anything for a moment, as if she was considering it.  “As intriguing as that sounds, I’m afraid it’s impossible.  I’m going to the season opening at the Village Resort up in Hunter this weekend, with my best friend.”

“Your husband going too?” Kaleb persisted.

“No.  He has a previous engagement.  Not that it’s any of your business.”

He opened his mouth to answer but Mitchell’s voice rang out in the foyer.  “Edie—let’s go.  Where are you?”

She flashed Kaleb a warning look and called out softly, “Coming, Mitchell.”  Then she left, quickly, before her husband could see Kaleb standing in the shadows.

My Review

This election year has been one wild ride so The Congressman's Wife is a timely read. The book is the story of a young woman born into privilege who is betrayed and ends up in a lackluster marriage to a US senator. She's totally bored with it all until she meets a certain young man who studied cooking in Paris. There's a strong attraction between them, but she's married to a prominent man. How could this possible end well? It's a nice read which makes you think of just how much is hidden in Washington. You'll get caught up in the story and not want to put it down. 5 stars

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AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Charlene Keel has written over a dozen novels and how-to books as well as multiple episodes of popular TV shows such as Fantasy Island and Days of our Lives.  Her Dell book, Rituals, was the basis for the first made-for-syndication soap opera.  Recently she co-authored The Tracks, a YA supernatural trilogy.  Shadow Train, the final installment, won a Paranormal Romance Guild Reviewer’s Choice Award.  Keel has also written screen adaptations of novels by bestselling authors, and has worked as editor or managing editor for a few international magazines.  In her spare time she ghostwrites books and screenplays for celebrities, doctors, corporate moguls, spies, strippers and anyone who has an interesting story to tell.

For more information:

Website: CharleneKeel.net -   http://www.charlenekeel.net/

Follow Charlene on Twitter - https://twitter.com/CharleneKeel

Charlene Keel on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/charlene.keel.1

Blog: Red Sky Book Blog - https://redskybookblog.wordpress.com/category/charlene-keel/

Arie Pavlou is a popular chef who attended Le Cordon Bleu in Paris and then perfected his craft at some of the top-rated Michelin restaurants in France and New York.  He has lived and worked in France, Cyprus and the U. S. and is an avid world traveler who speaks five languages.  He enjoys all sports and has a talent for knife-throwing, which he perfected at Le Cordon Bleu.  Currently Chef de Cuisine at the renowned Bridgehampton Inn in New York, his specialties include Caramelized Baked Alaska, Winter Salad, Roast Lamb Fondue, Wild Game and Poached Pears with Mint Ice Cream.  The Congressman’s Wife is his first novel, and he’s currently writing a cookbook.

For more information:

Arie Pavlou on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/arie.pavlou

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GIVEAWAY INFORMATION and RAFFLECOPTER CODE

Charlene will be awarding a $25 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Use the link below to enter.

a Rafflecopter giveaway