Blog Tour + Excerpt + Review: "Shine with Me" by Kristen Proby

Today, I am pleased to join the blog tour celebrating Kristen Proby's "Shine with Me," the latest addition to her With Me in Seattle series. This novella is releasing as part of the 1,001 Dark Nights collection, which is a great way to sample standalone novellas by new-to-you authors (or enjoy a special bonus story from an existing favorite). I first discovered Ms. Proby and this series through last year's 1,001 Dark Nights release, "Wonder with Me," and I enjoyed revisiting that world tremendously.

 

The main characters of "Shine with Me," Ben and Sabrina (aka "Rina") were both quite likeable and relatively well-developed considering the story's short length. I appreciated how open Rina was about her past struggles with anorexia and body image, and while she was excited about the opportunity to return to acting, she did not want to have to starve herself to fit into Hollywood's ideal. As a passionate advocate of health and wellness, Ben took Rina's concerns seriously as he helped her prepare for her role as an FBI agent in pursuit of a serial killer. I loved how dedicated he was to building his business and was also very impressed by his willpower when it came to sweets - no way would I be able to turn down cupcakes the way Ben did several times over the course of the story!

Rina and Ben's chemistry was intense from the very beginning and while their relationship grew quickly, it never felt like insta-love to me. They had to spend a lot of time together to achieve Rina's training goals in only 6 weeks, so it made sense that they would get to know each other quickly. Rina fit in very well with Ben's friends and family, which undoubtedly helped. I enjoyed seeing her interact with characters from several of the earlier books in the series as well as her friend Zane, the famous actor. Zane's behavior with Rina was so silly and goofy at times that it was tough to believe he was an A-list heartthrob! I'm excited to get to know him better when he is featured in his own story next year.

Overall, "Shine with Me" was a fun, quick read that I recommend for all fans of contemporary romance. I look forward to whatever Kristen Proby writes next.

*Review copy provided by the author via Social Butterfly PR. All opinions expressed are my own.

 

 

About "Shine with Me"

From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Kristen Proby comes a new story in her With Me In Seattle series…

Sabrina Harrison hates being famous. She walked away from show business, from the flashing bulbs and prying eyes years ago, and is happy in her rural Oregon home, dedicating her life to her non-profit.

Until Hollywood calls, offering her the role of a lifetime. In more than ten years, she’s never felt the pull to return to the business that shunned her, but this role is everything Sabrina’s ever longed for.

Now she has to get in shape for it.

Benjamin Demarco’s gym, Sound Fitness, continues making a name for itself in Seattle. And now, he finds himself with the task of training Sabrina, getting her in shape for the role of her life. He’s trained hundreds of women. This is his job. So why does he suddenly see Sabrina as more than just another client? His hands linger on her skin, his breath catches when she’s near.

He knows better. Soon, she’ll be gone, living her life. A life that doesn’t include him.

**Every 1001 Dark Nights novella is a standalone story. For new readers, it’s an introduction to an author’s world. And for fans, it’s a bonus book in the author’s series. We hope you'll enjoy each one as much as we do.**

 

Read an Excerpt from "Shine with Me"

“There will be no more kissing.”

I’m staring at myself in the mirror. I have sleepy eyes, my face is clean of makeup, and my hair is up in a bun with a headband in place to keep the flyaways off my face while we ride.

I’m giving myself a stern talking-to.

“No kissing.” I point my finger at my mirror image. “Yes, he’s hot, and his hands are crazy amazing, and it would probably be the best sex of your life.”

I frown.

“No one said anything about sex. Now you’re taking it too far, Rina. Keep your hands and lips to yourself and just work on getting ready for this role. That’s the job. Doing Ben is not the job here.”

I narrow my eyes at myself and then nod once in satisfaction.

That’s been decided.

Ben suggested I wear layers, and I followed orders. I’m in workout pants and a t-shirt with a sweatshirt over that. I have a scarf to put around my neck if I need it. It’s winter in Seattle, which means it could be seventy or thirty.

You never know.

But I do know that it’s cooler by the water. Though the fresh air will feel good.

I’ve just finished eating a bowl of cantaloupe when the doorbell rings.

It’s six on the dot. He’s right on time.

“Always punctual,” I murmur as I unlock and open the front door. “Good mor—”

He sweeps in, pulls me against him, and plants those lips on mine. I loop my arms around his neck and let him have his way with me.

Because I’m a red-blooded woman, and Ben is hot as hell.

Hot. As. Hell.

My stern bathroom conversation goes right down the toilet as he pushes the door closed with his foot and spins me around to pin me against it.

His hands skim down my sides, then move back up again to frame my face as he thoroughly explores my mouth.

I was still half-asleep when he arrived. I’m fully alert now.

He’s breathing hard when he pulls away, and his blue eyes are on fire as he stares down at me.

“Good morning,” he says.

“Hi.”

“I couldn’t help myself.”

“Not complaining.” I feel the smile slowly spreading over my face. “I gave myself a pep talk earlier, explaining that we weren’t going to do that again.”

“Sorry, I didn’t get the memo.”

I swallow hard as he backs away.

“It’s okay. I don’t mind. Is it hot in here?”

He laughs and points at my sweatshirt. “You’re dressed for cold weather.” 

“Right. Yeah. Okay, so we’re going on a bike ride?”

***