Blog Tour: Real Men Don’t Break Hearts by Coleen Kwan

Today I have author Coleen Kwan here sharing an excerpt from her novel Real Men Don’t Break Hearts. Welcome to The Book Vixen Coleen!

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Thanks Brianna for having me on Book Vixen. I’d like to share an excerpt from my new Entangled Bliss release, Real Men Don’t Break Hearts.

Background: Six years ago Ally was jilted at the altar by Nate’s cousin, Seth, and Ally has always held Nate responsible. Now, Nate has moved back to their hometown and become Ally’s landlord, much to her dismay. In this scene Nate is driving Ally home after she cuts loose from a disastrous blind date, and the atmosphere between them starts to crackle as they rehash the past.

“You can’t deny you tried to break up Seth and me.”

He squeezed the steering wheel. “Okay, I don’t deny that,” he said slowly through gritted teeth. “I thought Seth was crazy to tie himself down to one girl—”

“Oh, how—”

“But I never said you weren’t good enough for him. I told him he was way too young, that he should live a little before—”

“Shackling himself for life?”

He glowered at her, but he didn’t refute her words. “That was then. Seth is a grown man now. He’s old enough to know his own mind and to live by his decisions.”

“And six years ago you knew enough to make up Seth’s mind for him? Your arrogance is breathtaking. You think you know what’s best for everyone, but you don’t. It may come as a big surprise to you, Nate, but not everyone wants to be like you.”

She halted, breath heaving, appalled at her outburst. Where had all that come from? Nate pulled the car hard onto the shoulder of the road, gravel spitting as he braked. He turned to her, harsh and flinty eyed.

“Is that how you see me?” he snapped.

Her heart skipped several beats. Why had she gotten so mad at him? Not because of Seth. No, more because of Nate’s opinion of her. She hauled in a breath, appalled by the realization. But it was true—she cared what he thought of her.

“Look, I don’t know why we’re arguing over Seth,” she said hurriedly. “It’s all in the past, so—so let’s forget what I just said about you.”

“But you’re right. I don’t know everything.” Pressing his head back against the seat, he exhaled a long breath. “Christ, the older I get, the less I seem to know. I’m moving back to Burronga, and I’ve no idea whether it’s a brilliant idea or the dumbest one I’ve ever had.”

She eyed him cautiously. “You’re really moving back? It wasn’t just an off-the-cuff remark to rile me up?”

“Ally, everything I do riles you up.” His look turned wry.

She gave a rueful laugh. “To be honest, I can’t see you lasting here.”

“Why not?”

“No career prospects, no nightlife, no women…” One by one she ticked them off on her fingers.

“No women?” His head jerked up. “Didn’t realize I’d joined a monastery.”

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Coleen Kwan has been a bookworm all her life. At school English was her favorite subject, but for some reason she decided on a career in IT. After many years of programming, she wondered what else there was in life — and discovered writing. She loves writing contemporary romance and steampunk romance.

Coleen lives in Sydney, Australia with her partner and two children. When she isn’t writing she enjoys avoiding housework, eating chocolate, and watching The Office.

Find the author online: website | twitter | facebook

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Ally Griffin is horrified to learn her new landlord is none other than the infuriating playboy Nate Hardy—the man she blames for getting her jilted at the altar six years ago. Plus, now her ex-fiancé is back in their hometown of Burronga, Australia, to marry his beautiful new bride…for real this time. Everybody’s treating Ally with kid gloves, as though she’s still heartbroken, but she’s just fine, thank you very much.

Nate Hardy is tired of his high-flying city career and bachelor lifestyle and is looking for something more real. The last thing he needs is to find himself undeniably attracted to Ally, the woman with whom he never saw eye-to-eye. But is he even capable of what Ally wants and deserves?

As Ally tries to pull her life out of the rut it’s fallen in, she doesn't count on Nate stirring up her emotions. A short-term fling with the resident bad boy is practically irresistible, but only if she can guard her heart…

    

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Thanks to Coleen Kwan and Entangled Publishing, one lucky winner will receive a $10USD gift card to Amazon or B&N (winner’s choice). Good luck to all who enter!

• No purchase necessary.
• Must be 18 years old or older to enter.
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• Please read TBV's Giveaway Policy before entering.
• Giveaway ends 9:01 pm (Pacific Time) on 2/13/2013.

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