Welcome to the book tour for The Au Pair and the Beast by Aurora Russell! Today, she is sharing us A Day in the Life of Veronica Carson, the heroine of her newest book, plus an excerpt to tempt you to download your own copy. Follow the tour for even more. Be sure to also check out the great giveaway!
Veronica’s new job comes with a darling little boy, a Gothic castle and…a beast?
When recently laid-off Francophile Veronica Carson is recommended for an au pair job by the elegant leader of her French conversation group, she isn’t sure what to expect—but a Gothic castle deep in the wilds of Maine is certainly not it. Still, she’s drawn in by her joyful little charge, Jean-Philippe, and even more drawn to his brooding father.
Ruthlessly successful businessman Alain Reynard has loved before and has no wish to repeat the painful experience. The tragedy of his recent past is still fresh in his mind, and he wants nothing to do with his son’s lovely new au pair. Despite his best efforts, though, he can’t seem to get her off his mind.
A passionate romance begins to blossom but is put to the test when painful reminders of Alain’s past return. As ugly rumors swirl, the truths of the past and the present collide. Veronica must decide if Alain really is a beast and, if so, whether she can love him enough to break through the dark memories and secrets that tether him to what once was.
Read an excerpt:
Alain’s look was inscrutable as he spoke to her. “I’m sorry. We’ve really continued to keep a totally French household, so Jean-Philippe hasn’t felt like things have changed much from one home to another, but…there are certain inconsistencies between us and American societal norms.”
Veronica shook her head, feeling bad that this was becoming such a big thing, when really, it was a very normal part of daily French life. It was certainly of no consequence to Alain, so why should it be to her? “Not a problem. I, ah…don’t mind.” She felt her cheeks burn hotter as she realized how that had sounded, so she hastened to explain. “I mean, I got used to being kissed when I was studying in Paris.”
Alain raised one dark eyebrow. He didn’t smile, but his eyes were amused. “Indeed?”
“Not…like that. It’s just that all my friends—older men, younger men, everyone—kissed me,” she stammered. “Women too, of course.”
Now Alain’s lips twitched, and Veronica realized she’d made it even worse.
She took a step closer. “I, ah…just go ahead,” she said, sticking her face forward and closing her eyes. Her heart pounded a deep tattoo in her chest.
She expected a quick, businesslike press of his cheek to each of hers, with an air kiss, but instead she felt his large, warm hands on her shoulders as he slowly kissed one hot cheek, then the other. His lips were incongruously soft. Before he stepped back, he said quietly, “I don’t mind, either.”
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A Day in the Life of Veronica Carson (Heroine of The Au Pair and the Beast)
By: Aurora Russell
First of all, thanks to Andi for having me on Books to Light Your Fire II! I loved the idea of writing this description particularly because, as the mother of two young sons, I actually see a number of parallels between my daily life and Veronica’s (except I don’t have servants or live in a castle or have a brooding, mysterious, and wickedly handsome employer around…although my husband does his best!). Still, I think that the crazy rhythm of taking care of exuberant young children is a universal experience! So here it goes…
7:30 a.m. Awakened by the simultaneously adorable and creepy sensation of being closely watched and breathed on by a sweet and excited 4-year-old with a limited understanding of personal space. Bolt upright, clutching my chest, but feel a wave of affection for my young charge, Jean-Philippe, when I am able to take deep breaths again.
8:00 a.m. After getting ready at lightning speed and supervising Jean-Philippe, go down to breakfast where Gorgeous McSurlypants aka Alain Reynard is already calmly eating a pain au chocolat with his morning bowl of café au lait. He smells amazing when he greets me with the traditional French embrace on each cheek, and then proceeds to ignore both his son and me as he reads financial newspapers. Jean-Philippe melts my heart when he says that he is going to hand-paint a little dish to hold my egg in, so I pretend that I actually like my eggs extra runny the way he does.
8:30 a.m. Pack what feels like a mini-suitcase to take with us on our daily outing. Today we’re headed to the private beach again, and I have included sunscreen, water, snacks, spare clothes, towels, baby wipes, hand-sanitizer, phone, wallet, beach blanket, and emergency coloring book and crayons, all while Jean-Philippe dances behind me singing at the top of his lungs about a baby sea creature. I think I can still feel the tingle on my cheeks from Alain’s touch at breakfast.
9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. Glorious day at the beach, not too hot or too cool, although I maintain constant sunscreen vigilance – UV rays don’t care what the weather feels like! Steal a few moments of calm sitting on the sand while Jean-Philippe runs up and down the beach. I swear, this child could be a budding Olympic runner! Only bad moment came when Hormet brought down a picnic instead of Alain. Jean-Philippe really hoped his father would come instead.
3:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Daily break while Yvette takes over with Jean-Philippe, thank goodness! I meant to read on the terrace – it’s so beautiful there overlooking the water, even if it does get a little cool in the wind – but I dozed off instead. When I woke, it felt as if someone were glaring at me, and then I realized that Alain was approaching. He had the strangest expression on his face. He looked grumpy, obviously, and he was limping a little more than usual, but he also looked sort of tender. I’m really not sure what to make of him.
6:30 p.m. After hurrying to dress up for dinner, which is a weird custom in this household, I sit through a stilted dinner with Alain and Jean-Philippe. Still, it wasn’t all bad, especially when Alain joked with his son and seemed to warm up to me a little more. Then he ruined everything by leaving abruptly for an urgent phone call. I know he’s a kazillionaire or whatever but Jean-Philippe’s little face was SO SAD! Then Jean-Philippe and I both ate our weight in bread pudding and all was well.
7:45 p.m. Told Jean-Philippe the nightly installment of the fairy tale he loves so much, and tucked him in. As I walked past Alain’s study, I could practically feel the heat of his gaze, but all he said was good night.
10:00 p.m. After reading a mystery novel from the Library, fell asleep and dreamed of going swimming with Alain and Jean-Philippe as all of us splashed around and screamed with laughter. It was a great dream.
If you’re intrigued, and would like to pick up a copy of The Au Pair and the Beast:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08QMRXT5P
Barnes & Noble: http://barnesandnoble.com/s/9781839439490
First for Romance: https://www.firstforromance.com/book/the-au-pair-and-the-beast
Aurora is originally from the frozen tundra of the upper-Midwest (ok, not frozen all the time!) but now loves living in New England with her real-life hero/husband, two wonderfully silly sons, and one of the most extraordinary cats she has ever had the pleasure to meet. But she still goes back to the Midwest to visit, just never in January. She doesn't remember a time that she didn't love to read, and has been writing stories since she learned how to hold a pencil. She has always liked the romantic scenes best in every book, story, and movie, so one day she decided to try her hand at writing her own romantic fiction, which changed her life in all the best ways. Find out more about Aurora, upcoming releases, and news at https://aurorarussellauthor.wordpress.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/arussellromance/
Twitter: @arussellromance
Aurora Russell will be awarding a $25 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.
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