Today I am so pleased to welcome Annabeth Albert to Joyfully Jay. Annabeth has come to talk to us about her latest release, Wrapped Together (which I reviewed and loved). She has also brought along a great giveaway. Please join me in giving Annabeth a big welcome!

Thank you so much for having me! My new release, WRAPPED TOGETHER, features a pair of competing store-owners and long-time frenemies in a holiday romance that opens with a wager on a decorating contest.  The book is filled with the #PortlandHeat flavors that long-time series fans have come to enjoy, but it stands alone well too.  Because the book opens with a decorating contest, I thought it would be fun to talk decorating traditions and to feature how I see the various #PortlandHeat couples decorating.

Hollis, the hero of WRAPPED TOGETHER, is very much a minimalist. He’d honestly rather skip the holiday altogether this year (although that may change!), but if he’s forced to decorate, he’ll go for a single exquisite bulb or carefully chosen candle.

On the other hand, Sawyer, the other hero, is a huge fan of the holiday, and loves to feature his various fandoms in his décor. Bring on the Star Wars and Lord of the Ring Ornaments! Bring on the lights and trains and musical displays! He’s about to discover the joy of simplicity, but right now, he’s all about the bling.

What about the earlier #PortlandHeat couples? How are they decorating this year?

David and Robby from SERVED HOT still have their little house together, and they’ve got a classic tree cut from a nearby tree farm. Robby’s got a new hot chocolate flavor on the specials board, and David picked out a set of Christmas mugs for at home. They’ve had a great time buying gifts for David’s nieces and nephews.

Vic and Robin from BAKED FRESH are hosting a family gathering again this year at their renovated house. Vic’s been baking up a storm and will offer some holiday bread to accompany the huge pot of stew on the stove. They’ve got cats now, so their ornaments are all up high, but Robin has a special weakness for putting lights everywhere.

Chris and Lance from DELIVERED FAST are back in Portland this year, and Chris is cranky as ever about the holidays. Lance pays him no attention and has the place decked out in a cheerful scheme using leftover ornaments from his family and some special touches he’s picked out himself. Chris secretly loves it, of course.

Brady and Ev from KNIT TIGHT are decorating with Brady’s siblings, and their tree is a wonderful mix of homemade ornaments, special family treasures, and a few brand-new pieces to celebrate their new shared family. Ev will make Turkish cookies on Christmas eve, and Brady’s got a new tea that he thinks Ev and his siblings will love. Ev’s designed knit stockings for everyone, and they’re hung in a place of pride on the mantle.

Now, how about you? How are you decorating this year? Any special traditions? Want more updates on fan favorite couples? Consider joining my Facebook readers’ group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/annabethsangels/ or signing up for my newsletter: http://eepurl.com/Nb9yv

Blurb

In the bustling restaurants, shops, and cafés of Portland, Oregon, things really heat up for the hard-working men behind the scenes when the holidays come into town . . .

For a stationery store owner, the holidays are great for business. But for Hollis Alcott, Christmas reminds him of the tragic events of three years past, and the last thing he wants to do is take part in Portland’s over-abundance of festive cheer. But Sawyer Murphy, a hunky gift shop owner whose brother is married to Hollis’s sister, has made it his mission to pluck Hollis out of his holiday blues. And his plan is beginning to work. Wrapped in the warm glow of newfound passion, the former business rivals hit up Portland’s finest holiday traditions—and Hollis’s icy attitude begins to melt like snowflakes on his tongue. But he isn’t sure he can trust anyone with the only gift he has—his heart—without breaking it like an antique ornament. Unless he can find the courage to take a leap with the one lover he never expected . . .

Bio

Annabeth Albert grew up sneaking romance novels under the bed covers. Now, she devours all subgenres of romance out in the open— no flashlights required! When she’s not adding to her keeper shelf, she’s a multi-published Pacific Northwest romance writer.

Emotionally complex, sexy, and funny stories are her favorites both to read and to write. Annabeth loves finding happy endings for a variety of pairings and is a passionate gay rights supporter. In between searching out dark heroes to redeem, she works a rewarding day job and wrangles two children.

Represented by Saritza Hernandez of the Corvisiero Literary Agency

Giveaway

Annabeth has brought a$20 Amazon gift card to give away to one lucky reader on her tour. Just follow the Rafflecopter below to enter. 

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