Excerpt: Candy Hearts - Erin McLellan

Hey, all! So, besides my review of Erin McLellan’s new book, Candy Hearts, I’m also participating in the book blitz! In case you need something other than my review to sway you, here’s an excerpt of the book (one of my favorite parts – when Benji and William first meet) as well as a quick Q&A with the author. As a reminder, you can find all the links to buy the book here (and it’s also in Kindle Unlimited!).

Teaser:

“This was supposed to be a party. I came to get my mind off my utter aloneness, but instead, the universe has conspired to magnify it.”

“You’re not alone. I’m here.”

Benji waved that comment away. “You know what I mean. The romantic ambiance is wasted on us.”

William made a surprised noise in the back of his throat. After a few seconds, he said, “Why are you alone, then? You’re young and hot and nice. I’d think you’d have partners forming a line.”

“Sexual partners, maybe. It’s a bit harder to get them to stick around.”

“Yeah. I hear you,” William said softly.

Benji narrowed his eyes. “Are we dishing about our sucky love lives? Because I might need some wine for that.”

“Did you bring wine?” William asked.

“No. Do you not have any?”

“Unfortunately not. I was not in charge of food or drinks this weekend.”

“Well, that blows. What are you smiling about?” Benji asked.

William schooled his expression, and Benji could have mourned. “Nothing. You’re very intriguing.”

“Are you making fun of me?”

William sat forward in his chair. “Of course not. I think I could listen to you talk for hours. Even if it’s complaining about your love life. Even if it’s complaining about being stuck here with me.”

“That sounds boring too.”

“What do you suggest we do, then?” William asked.

“It’s your house.” Benji said this petulantly, but with a small, ornery smile. He wanted to goad William into a reaction.

“I have cards.” Benji brightened at that, then William said, “If you want to play Solitaire.”

Benji laughed.

William continued, “You’re welcome to my nonfiction. I own Doris Kearns Goodwin’s entire catalog. There might be a book of Sudoku in my office.”

“So you’re not going to entertain me. Is that the message?”

A charged silence vibrated between them for one breath. Then two. Three.

“Oh, sweetheart, I’d do more than entertain you. If you’d let me.”

Mini Q&A with Erin McLellan:

Book two in Erin McLellan’s phenomenal So Over the Holidays series is out on February 3 and it will feature a game of sexy Spin the Bottle, secret boyfriends, naughty toys and even naughtier lingerie combined with the magic of Valentine’s Day! Candy Hearts is already wowing readers and Erin is here to talk about the book to celebrate its release! Take it away, Erin!

Can you share with us something about the book that isn’t in the blurb?

One of the highlights of writing this book was being able to craft a tight queer friend group of people in their thirties. This friend group might not see each other all that often or even talk all the time, but they love each other and are there for each other. It was a joy to write.

Does one of the main characters hold a special place in your heart? If so, why?

Benji Holiday definitely has a special place in my heart. He has a history of allowing other people, especially romantic partners, to shape who he is rather than being his authentic self. This book is about him taking that control back. He’s complicated and complex and weird. It was great fun crafting a hero worthy of him.

What is the future for the characters? Will there be a sequel?

I already have Book 3 in the So Over the Holiday Series planned. It is titled Bottle Rocket and will be Rosie Holiday’ (the last Holiday sibling) book. Benji and William, as well as Sasha and Perry (from Stocking Stuffers) will make appearances. I’m sure Benji, Sasha, and Rosie will have an emergency brunch at some point.

About the author: Erin McLellan is the author of several contemporary romances, all of which have characters who are complex, goodhearted, and a little quirky. She likes her stories to have a sexy spark and a happily ever after. Originally from Oklahoma, she currently lives in Alaska and spends her time dreaming up love stories set in the Great Plains. She is a lover of chocolate, college sports, antiquing, Dr Pepper, and binge-worthy TV shows.

Connect with Erin: