Upshot by Avery Samson

 

She sailed into the room like an angel from heaven and sat beside me.

I just wish I could remember what happened next.

Upshot, an all-new small town romance and the second book in the Dansboro Crossing series from bestselling author Avery Samson is now available!

I’ve never been the sort of man to meet a woman in a bar and take her home for the night. But this time I’ll make an exception.

I’d really like to see her again. The problem is I just can’t remember more than a first name and the city she lives in.

But I’m not worried, I’ve taken on bigger problems than this.

Never, not even once, have I had a one-night stand. But, something about the sweet, sexy stranger had me following him up to his room. I also never drink so much that I can’t remember the night. Until now. Well, live and learn I guess.

Except it was a huge lesson.

One I’ll have for the rest of my life.

One that made that little stick turn blue.

What do you do when the dad is no more than a blurry image? You move back to your hometown.

Don’t worry about me. I’m fine living with my parents, working in a small shop, and waiting for the next months to pass quietly. I can do this on my own.

Except, he just walked into my small store, in my small town, in the middle of nowhere.

If it’s a surprise he wants, then it’s a surprise he’s going to get.

The surprise of a lifetime.

Start reading today!

Amazon:  https://amzn.to/3ZhGVg5

Amazon Worldwide: https://mybook.to/upshotAS

Apple Books:  https://apple.co/3Ziaf65

Barnes & Noble: https://bit.ly/3PoRiKe

Kobo: https://bit.ly/45SxKoV

Add Upshot to Goodreads:  https://bit.ly/46iUuhD 

Keep reading for a look inside Upshot!

“BRONTË

      I’m living in a dream world. That’s the only way it can be described. I graduated with a degree in fashion design from Syracuse in the spring. While spending the summer in New York City as an intern at one of the design firms, I was scouted by a modeling agency. With barely a second thought, I accepted their offer.

      Now I’m standing in the doorway to the hotel bar with my best friend Sara after a long day of shooting. We were sent to Phoenix together for the week for a fashion shoot. This is our last night. We fly back to New York on an early flight tomorrow morning. I can’t wait to see the photos. The location was beautiful but hot. I’m ready to get out of the heat.”

“The first thing I did when we got back was to take a long shower. Sara insisted we should get one last drink before heading home. I think she has her eye on the photographer. He mentioned something about spending the evening in the bar.

      “So what’s the plan?” Sara asks. I know she’s already spotted Joel on the other side of the room. Far be it for me to stand in the way of a hookup. Damn, I’m a good wingman.

      “I’m thinking about finding the hottest guy in here and chatting him up for the evening. Maybe I can get a couple of free drinks out of the deal,” I answer.”

“Ooh, I like that plan. Okay, I already see a good candidate,” she says. “Meet in the lobby at five tomorrow morning?”

      I open my mouth to protest, but she’s already halfway across the floor. Last I checked, we didn’t have to leave until around six. I should just return to my room, but I’m already here. Might as well have a drink.

      I scan the room for a second time before settling on my quarry. He’s sitting at the bar, sipping what looks like whiskey. He’s wearing a very nice suit that I’d guess set him back several thousand dollars.

      But that’s not what snagged my attention. It’s the fact that he has two dimples that appear when he laughs at something the bartender says. I’m not a gold digger, so the money that drips off him doesn’t matter. But personality does. He scores pretty high on the looks category too. Win, win.

      So here’s the plan: share a drink or two, banter a little, then return to my room. You don’t have to worry about me. I don’t spread my legs just because some guy buys me a few drinks at the bar. True, I’m a lot more daring than my older sisters, but I know where to draw the line. All I’m looking for is a pleasant evening, visiting with a good-looking man.

      “Hi, is this seat taken?” I ask, walking up to the bar.

      “No, please,” the man answers. He stands to assist me with the stool. He’s tall. I’m five foot ten, and he’s several inches taller than me. When I’m settled in on my stool, he motions for the bartender. “Would you care for something to drink?”

      “What are you having?”

      “An old fashioned.”

      I’m not really a huge whiskey drinker. I contemplate my choices for a second before settling on what I’m in the mood for.”

“I think I want a dirty martini. The dirtier, the better.” With a nod, the bartender moves down the bar to fix my drink. “I’m Brontë,” I say, holding out my hand.

      “Like the writers?”

      “Charlotte, to be precise.”

      “I like that. It’s unusual. My name’s Rand.” He takes my hand, holding it just a second too long. “It’s nice to meet you, Brontë.”

      “So what brings you to Phoenix, Rand?” I ask. The bartender arrives with my martini. I take a hearty sip, letting out a moan as the cool liquid rolls down my throat, signifying the end of a very long week. No matter what I do, I just can’t seem to get enough to drink here. I notice Rand watching me. With a smile, I look up at him.

      “Uh, what? Oh, I’m here at a conference,” he stammers. He’s very cute.

      “What’s the conference about?”

      “Real estate. Not very exciting, unfortunately. Why are you in Phoenix? Do you live here?”

      “I’m not a hooker trolling the local bar, if that’s what you’re asking,” I answer.

      “Oh, god. No, that’s not what I meant at all,” he says, turning an adorable shade of red.

      “I’m just teasing you. Don’t freak out,” I say, pressing my hand on his thigh. So, a man with obvious wealth who stammers and blushes. This is turning out to be a fun evening. “My friend and I are out here shooting a fashion layout.”

      “So you’re a model?”

      “I am,” I answer. Rand goes silent as he stares at the bottles behind the bar. Finally, he turns to face me.

      “I might be in over my head.” I can’t stop the laugh that bubbles up. “Seriously, I’m not sure I have enough game for a fashion model,” he adds. He’s more than just cute, he’s charming to boot.

      “I don’t believe that for a moment. I think you might just surprise us both.” I smile my most dazzling smile, which he returns in full. I love that smile. It’s good enough to melt panties. His eyes even seem to have that magical twinkle in them that you only read about in books. How did I miss that his eyes are a beautiful smoky jade before?

      “I think you’re blowing smoke,” he says. “But it’s working. Can I buy you another drink?” Rand motions for the bartender to bring us both another round. When our drinks arrive, I take another big sip.

      “So, where do you call home when you’re not jetting off to real estate conferences?” I ask.

      “It sounds sexier than it is.” He laughs. “I live in California, San Francisco specifically. I grew up in Pacific Heights. How about you? Where do you hang your hat?”

For more information about Avery Samson and her books, visit her website: 

https://www.averysamsonbooks.com

My Review
5 Stars
Upshot by Avery Samson is book two in the Dansboro Crossing Series.  This is the story of Bronte and Rand.  Bronte and Rand have a one night together where they didn't exchange last names and both just happened to be away from home.  Rand woke up the next morning alone and Bronte had left to return to her life.  But it seems that night had more impact then expected.  Enjoyed this book.