Turning It on (Red Hot Russians)
Read Turning It on (Red Hot Russians) Online
Authors: Elizabeth Harmon
Turning It On
By Elizabeth Harmon
Book editor Hannah Levinson couldn’t be happier. This “Nice Jewish Girl” is ready to marry the man she’s longed after for half her life. When her fiancé suggests they audition for
Last Fling
, a steamy new reality show for engaged couples, she lets herself be swayed. Maybe she’ll learn a thing or two.
Vlad Shustov’s fall from a once-bright career as a competitive figure skater was swift. Now trapped by a shameful past and an uncertain future, “Vlad the Bad” strips for cash. Joining the cast of
Last Fling
could earn him a fortune—or at least enough to finally leave stripping. But to win the show’s prize, he must seduce an engaged woman, something he can’t even bear the thought of.
Hannah’s not like any woman Vlad’s met before. Betrayed by the man she thought she loved and relegated to the ugly-duckling role she’d worked so hard to shed, can she trust there’s more to Vlad than meets the eye? With sleazy TV tactics shattering the last shreds of the contestants’ confidence, they’ll have to believe true happiness is not only possible...it may be looking right at them.
For more Red Hot Russians, don’t miss
Pairing Off
—available now!
97,760 words
Dear Reader,
This week, my ten-year-old daughter looked woefully at her
Kindle and then at me and said, “I have nothing to read!” I asked her about
several recent books I’d uploaded for her and if she’d read those yet, and of
course the answer was no, but she still had nothing to read. It’s hard for me to
get too upset with this sentiment, since I’m a bit of a book hoarder, and I own
more books that I haven’t read than I care to admit, but...I’ll get to them
someday! As someone pointed out to me, “nothing to read” is much like “nothing
to eat” and “nothing to do.” It’s not a statement of literal fact, it’s a
statement of mood and feeling. I don’t know if you’re in the same boat as my
daughter and feeling as if you have nothing to read, but if so, one of our June
2015 releases should strike just the right note for you.
Lisa Marie Rice thrilled fans and new readers alike when she
returned to the world of her popular Midnight Series with
Midnight
Vengeance
and
Midnight Promises
. This June, in
Midnight
Secrets
, we get to fall in love with her cracktastic and sexy romantic
suspense series all over again. Former Navy SEAL Joe Harris nearly died—twice—on
a medevac helo after being blown up by an IED. He’s not moving too great these
days, but if there was ever a woman designed to jump-start a man’s hormones, it
would be his new neighbor. Meeting Isabel—loving Isabel—brought Joe back to
life, and he’s not going to let anyone take her from him, not even a
high-powered politician who needs to keep Isabel from remembering what he’s
done.
Julie Moffett is back with her hit mystery series. Geek
extraordinaire Lexi Carmichael is more comfortable with computer code than
commandos, but in
No Woman Left Behind
, she’s about to undertake her
most dangerous case yet with a little help from the Navy SEALs.
We also have several authors in the contemporary romance
lineup this month. In Alison Packard’s latest book in her Feeling the Heat
series,
Stealing Second
, Tom Morgan and Katherine Whitton, once deeply
in love and planning a future together, now work together and are finally forced
to confront their long-held belief that each one was betrayed by the other.
Elizabeth Harmon’s
Turning It On
brings us a new
stand-alone romance in her Red Hot Russians series. On a steamy reality show,
shy book editor Hannah Levinson fights to keep her fiancé from the clutches of a
scheming dental hygienist with the help of an unlikely ally, sexy former figure
skater turned stripper “Vlad the Bad” Shustov. Can she trust there’s more to
Vlad than meets the eye?
Spoiled college student Olivia Christakos experiences the
ultimate fall from grace when she’s hit by a car (losing her memory in the
process) and catches her family (who she’s supposed to be able to trust at a
time like this) lying to her about her past. Find out what happens in
Olivia
Christakos and Her Second First Time
by debut author Dani Irons.
If male/male contemporary romance is what you’re looking for,
check out previously released
In the Raw
and
In the Fire
from
the In the Kitchen series by writing duo Nikka Michaels and Eileen Griffin. In
that duology, we met Ethan and Jamie. In their latest stand-alone romance,
In the Distance
, Trevor Pratt and Tyler Mitchell just might have a
shot at love—if, that is, they choose to follow their hearts, instead of letting
their ten-year age difference and the three thousand miles separating them keep
them apart forever.
Dana Marie Bell gives us paranormal romance
Song of
Midnight Embers
, the next book in her Maggie’s Grove series. To prove
she’s not a murderer, Mollie Greer will have to turn to the one person she’s
been longing for—and avoiding—her whole life: Greer Berkley, the Singer of the
Forest.
And last, this June I’m excited to introduce you to a new
direction for author Julie Rowe with the first romantic suspense in her new
Biological Response Team series.
American Sniper
meets the worldwide
Ebola-outbreak response meets romance in
Deadly Strain
. A sniper tries
to protect an infectious disease specialist while they combat a deadly new
bacterial strain, but he might not be able to stop from her from making the
ultimate sacrifice in order to save him.
I hope you find something from Carina Press to help you cure
your “nothing to read” mood. And don’t forget our extensive romance, mystery,
science fiction and fantasy backlist is also always available where ebooks are
sold.
Coming in July: A dragon-shifter romance trilogy from a
brand-new author, the next book in Stephanie Tyler’s postapocalyptic motorcycle
club world and a new male/male romance from A.M. Arthur.
Until next time, here’s wishing you a wonderful month of
books you love, remember and recommend.
Happy reading!
Angela James
Editorial Director, Carina Press
Dedication
Dedicated with love to my wonderful husband, Tom, my boys, Arlo and Gabe, and my mom, Judy, for your encouragement and support.
Acknowledgments
Once again, a big thanks to the Panera Five, the best critique partners a writer could ask for, and awesome friends as well. A shout-out also to Jason Pfrommer for his expertise in TV production, to Anton for his expertise in all things Russian, to Tina for insights into a day in the life of a dental hygienist, and to beta readers Caryl, Tom and Judy for their invaluable feedback. Many thanks to the family members and friends who encouraged and inspired me, including Agnes, Jenny and the Ice House skaters. To my agent, Louise Fury, my editor, Kerri Buckley, and their hard-working teams, and to God, who always brings the words... I couldn’t have done it without you.
Also Available from
Elizabeth Harmon
and Carina Press
Pairing Off
And watch for
Getting It Back
, the next book in the Red Hot Russians series, coming soon!
Contents
Chapter One
“Smile!”
The command cut through the rumble of the subway car and Hannah Levinson hunched her shoulders, knowing it was meant for her.
She glanced up from her tablet. Across the aisle sat a man in a New York Giants jacket and too-tight polyester pants. Balanced in his lap was a gray hard-shell briefcase, like the ones copier repair guys carried. Hannah stared, dismayed as always by the nerve of complete strangers. “I beg your pardon?”
Undeterred, he met her gaze. “I said, smile. You’d look a whole lot prettier.”
Though this sort of thing was just part of life in New York City, Hannah never knew how to respond. Just because she didn’t walk around grinning like an idiot did not give others the right to comment.
Do I really look that dark and gloomy? Maybe I should be more engaging, rather than the girl with her nose always stuck in a book.
Today, however, the normal doubts came and went, like a bad smell on a passing stranger. Life was too good. Being the girl with her nose always in a book seemed to be serving her quite well, thank you very much, and as for being more engaging? She had that base covered, too. As she felt the bulk of gold and gem through her glove, happiness tugged at the corner of her mouth. Instead of a scathing comeback, she would share a little bit of her sunshine. “It’s a good thing I’m on my way to the dentist,” she replied, flashing a bright grin.
Flummoxed, the Smile Cop turned back to his smartphone. Hannah returned to her tablet, happy thoughts turning in her mind. A few moments later, the conductor’s voice crackled over the broken speakers and she joined the commuters scurrying out of the station.
Late afternoon Park Slope, Brooklyn, was quiet, as most of the stroller moms were home from coffee dates and toddler enrichment classes, and most of the professionals who worked in Manhattan hadn’t returned yet. The windows of neighborhood restaurants cast an inviting glow onto the icy sidewalks, as inside workers bustled among rows of empty tables, preparing for the Thursday-night dinner crowd. The sight made Hannah long to be at one, surrounded by friends, laughter and celebration. Unfortunately, Jack wouldn’t be home until late.
Dr. Martinez’s office was at the end of the block. As Hannah stepped out of the cold into the warm waiting room, the receptionist looked up. “There you are! We called your cell, but you didn’t pick up.”
“I was on the train.” Hannah tugged off her gloves and stuffed them into her coat pocket. She glanced at the smiling molar clock above the reception desk, which read a few minutes before five. “But I’m early.”
“You’re late. The appointment was at four.”
“It was?” She never forgot appointments. Ever. Good thing it wasn’t something work- or Jack-related. “I’m so sorry. Can you still fit me in?”
The receptionist rolled her desk chair over to a computer and tapped the keyboard with her long pink fingernails. “Looks like Robynne is available to do a cleaning at five fifteen, and I’m sure Doc can stop in and have a look. Have a seat.”
Ouch, Robynne. She’d seen the blonde hygienist at her last appointment, and the experience hadn’t been pleasant, though Jack seemed to like her well enough. Such was the price for being disorganized.
She took a seat in the waiting room and dug out her tablet, returning to the manuscript she’d been reading on the train. The debut novel by a top 1970s movie director was a juicy Hollywood tell-all, full of thinly disguised famous faces. It was a plum project, with bestseller written all over it. She had received it this afternoon when she was invited to interview for a position in the prestigious literary fiction division. If Hannah impressed her prospective boss, it was sure to be the first of many bestsellers coming her way.
“Ready?”
A squeaky little-girl voice yanked Hannah out of decadent Hollywood. Robynne, the hygienist, stood at the door to the inner office, pearly whites gleaming.
“Yeah, sure.” Hannah rose, but found it difficult to tear her eyes away from a particularly skillful turn of phrase.
“Something good online?” Robynne asked, as Hannah crossed the waiting room. “I love the personality quizzes on Facebook. Have you seen the one that tells which Disney princess you are? I’m Snow White.”
Hannah switched off her tablet. “No, it’s a new book written by Curtis Monroe.”
“Who?”
“Curtis Monroe. He directed
Platoon Six
.
Mafia Girl
?” Robynne’s brow settled over blank eyes. “He was one of the biggest directors in the seventies.”
The hygienist shrugged. “I’m not really a fan of old black-and-white movies. How come you’re reading that?”
Excitement bubbled forth again. The hygienist was an unlikely person with whom to share her great news, but Hannah was bursting to tell
someone
. “It’s my job. I work at Bettendorf Publishing and this afternoon, I was invited to interview for an editor position in the literary fiction division.”
Robynne turned back, her face puckered. “Huh. Who’s got time to read?” She led Hannah into an exam room and gestured toward the vacant chair. “So? How’s Jack?”
It was an odd question, but it wasn’t the first time Hannah had sensed Robynne was a little too interested in her boyfriend. Make that fiancé. “He couldn’t be better. We just got engaged.”
Immediately, Robynne’s gaze fell on the third finger of Hannah’s left hand. “Wow, that’s some rock you’re wearing.”
Hannah held out her ink-dotted and nail-bitten fingers, admiring how the diamond sparkled in the fluorescent light. Rings like this belonged on the manicured hands of glamorous creatures like her sister Rachel, and even after two weeks, it still felt strange to own a piece of jewelry others found impressive. “Thank you. He surprised me New Year’s Eve.”
“He did?” Robynne seemed distracted by the instruments on the tray beside the chair, picking them up and setting them down. “I mean, that’s great. I didn’t realize you were so serious...” She gave a short laugh. “Have a seat, please.”
The exam began with a jab to Hannah’s upper gum and got worse from there. Robynne wasn’t particularly gentle on the best of days, but this afternoon, she seemed to attack her work with a measure of sadistic glee. Hannah fixed her gaze on the Norman Rockwell print hanging on the opposite wall, and prayed the ordeal would end quickly. Twenty long minutes later, Robynne handed her a cup of rinse. “Have you set a wedding date?”
Hannah swished and spat the mint-flavored rinse into the little basin beside her chair. “October 20. We have the hotel and banquet room booked. I’m shopping for a dress. The hard part is finding one that isn’t strapless.”
“What’s wrong with strapless?”
Hannah glanced down at her double Ds, concealed with a paper dental bib and layers of scarves. The one strapless gown she’d tried made her look like an inflatable sex doll, the Nice Jewish Girl edition. Perky little Robynne obviously never dealt with such problems. “Nothing in particular.”
“Is he taking you to Cozumel for your honeymoon? He loves it there.”
Hannah blinked, unnerved at Robynne’s familiarity with Jack’s vacation preferences. Then she relaxed. He’d gone down to Mexico in the fall with some of his fraternity brothers, and must have talked about the trip at his last appointment. “I don’t know. We haven’t made plans yet.”
“Probably smart. A lot can happen between now and October.” Robynne snapped off her blue rubber gloves. “You can schedule your six-month on the way out. Though before the wedding?” She offered a tight smile. “Take my advice and book a whitening treatment.”
Maybe it was best Hannah didn’t go around smiling.
Hannah walked home from her appointment, thinking. The hygienist obviously had a thing for Jack, but did she have to be so obvious? Not that Hannah blamed her. She’d had a thing for Jack Gordon since she was twelve years old.
They’d grown up in the same neighborhood and their families were longtime friends. In high school, his golden aura inspired every overwrought poem Hannah wrote for the school literary mag. They had gone to different colleges, and though she dated other guys, when she and Jack got together three years ago at her sister Rachel’s wedding, it was as if the stars were at last aligned.
The families were almost as ecstatic over Jack’s proposal as Hannah. Mom had lined up the rabbi and reception hall with startling speed. Jack’s mom promised an enormous bridal shower. Rachel offered to throw a bachelorette party. What Hannah had longed for half her life was now less than a year away.
A block from her apartment, she stopped at the corner sushi place and picked up dinner to go. Jack wouldn’t be home for hours yet, but she could finish the Monroe book and put together comprehensive and insightful notes for her potential new boss. Then when Jack did arrive home, they could celebrate her good news together.
She and Jack lived in an 1880s gray stone, set in a row of identical buildings. The gargoyles that flanked the front steps leered as she stepped around patches of frozen snow and fished out her keys. In the foyer, she unlocked the mailbox to find a few bills, coupons from the dry cleaner down the block and a glossy catalog. She tugged it free, and a hot flush rose in her winter-chilled face.
It was from a lingerie chain store where she never shopped. Not even online. One visit in college had been enough. A rail-thin salesgirl had looked at Hannah’s ginormous chest and loudly announced, “We don’t sell
anything
that would fit you.”
Had Jack ordered it? Her hands trembled as she pictured him admiring the beautiful, perfectly proportioned models. She flipped the catalog over, and breathed a relieved sigh. There was her full name, Hannah Leah Levinson, just as it appeared on her credit cards. This was nothing more than a poorly targeted mass mailing. She tossed the catalog in the trash.
Juggling bag, purse, mail and sushi, she climbed the stairs, and at their door, realized that the music and laughter she heard on the way up was coming from the apartment. Was Jack actually home before midnight? Her heart soared, as she entered and found him sprawled on the living room couch, feet up, tie loose, cocktail in hand.
“Hi, honey, you’re home.” His goofy grin suggested this martini was not his first.
Hannah set her bag down, thrilled she would be able to share her news after all. “So are you. What happened? Did Windsor and St. Clair close its doors?”
Jack laughed. “Don’t I fucking wish? No, the meat grinder is still in business. And though it looks like I’m just kicking back, I’m actually entertaining a very important client.” He shouted toward the kitchen. “Dude! Hannah’s home. Get your ass in here.”
A tall slender guy with a spiked hairstyle and a well-tailored Italian sport coat stepped into the living room and spread his arms wide. It took a second before she recognized him, then she gasped and rushed forward to embrace their childhood friend, Eric Conrad.
“Hannah Banana, so good to see you.”
She stepped back, taking in the sight of the once-scrawny, pimpled boy who had been her literary magazine coeditor, transformed into a geek-cool, Hollywood up-and-comer. “You look fantastic! LA treating you well?”
“Couldn’t be better.” Eric grinned. “How about you, Hannah? Keeping our boy in line?” He grabbed her left hand and admired the ring. “He must be doing all right for himself.”
“Only the best for my bride-to-be.”
Hannah laughed. “Isn’t he wonderful?” She smiled up at Eric, whom she hadn’t seen for more than a year. “What brings you back to the city? Family or business?”
Jack rose from the sofa. “Actually, Eric is the newest client of Windsor and St. Clair’s entertainment law division, thanks to yours truly.”
Eric bobbed his head, feigning modesty. “Grab a drink and join us. I’ve got lots to tell you guys.”
Hannah stashed her bags in the alcove she used as a home office, put her sushi in the fridge for tomorrow’s lunch and poured a glass of wine, happy to celebrate their old friend’s success, and hers.
They went for dinner at the new organic pizzeria down the street, and Hannah relaxed in the comfortable glow of a night out and good wine. Though there had been no chance to share her news yet, this was exactly what she had been in the mood for. Jack was unusually cheerful, as well. Out from under the oppressive thumbs of Windsors Junior, Senior, and the venerable Emil St. Clair, he was actually smiling. This was so worth the midnight oil she would have to burn to finish the Curtis Monroe manuscript.
They reminisced about the Monty Python routines Eric and Jack performed in high school talent shows, and about the dances Eric had asked Hannah to, only to be turned down. She smiled and took Jack’s hand. “Even then I was madly in love. You were just too cool to notice.”
“I noticed,” Jack answered. “I was just too much of an idiot to appreciate it.”
“It’s too bad you didn’t come to UMass with Jack and me,” said Eric. “You would have had some good, good times.”
“What makes you think I didn’t have good, good times at Cornell?”
Jack and Eric glanced at each other with perfect comedic timing and burst out laughing. “Okay, party-central it wasn’t, but it gave me what I needed to launch a career that I love. Speaking of which...” She paused and took a deep breath. “Today I was invited to interview for an editor job with Bettendorf’s literary fiction group.”
Jack’s cold stare made her regret opening her big mouth. “Yay, you,” he muttered under his breath.
Momentarily deflated, she should have guessed he would react this way. It happened whenever she mentioned anything positive about her career. Even Jack’s hefty paycheck didn’t make up for the fact that he was envious—not that she was an overworked and underpaid assistant editor, but that she was doing something she loved. Though she was annoyed he’d rained on tonight’s parade, he needed to understand this was good news for him, too.
“Hey,” she squeezed his hand. “The job comes with a raise. Not a huge one, but maybe enough to turn our five-year plan into a four-and-a-half-year plan. Meanwhile, you have a lot to be proud of.”
“Oh, yeah. Kissin’ ass with the best of them.” He knocked back the last of his beer, and sat for a moment, staring at nothing, as an awkward silence descended. Then he draped his arm across the back of her chair and smiled. She smiled, too, as the tense moment passed. “Hey, Eric, why don’t you tell Hannah about your new project.”