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The Unexpected Consequences of Love by Jill Mansell – Spotlight/Excerpt & Giveaway (Rafflecopter)

January 27, 2015 by Darlene

It’s no secret to anyone who reads my blog that I adore books written by the very talented Jill Mansell.  In fact I’ll be reviewing Jill Mansell’s newest book The Unexpected Consequences of Love next week but in the meantime I’m going to spotlight the book for you and give you a chance to enter a Rafflecopter giveaway for a Jill Mansell book bundle!

 

lovemansell

Sourcebooks Landmark
Women’s Fiction
February 3, 2015
ISBN: 9781492602088

 

Sophie has no interest in finding love. But what happens when love finds her?

Sophie Wells is a successful photographer with a focus on putting the past firmly behind her. When Josh Strachan returns to the seaside town of Cornwall from the States to run his family’s hotel, he can’t understand why the fun, sexy girl has zero interest in letting him—or any man for that matter—into her life. He also can’t understand how he’s been duped into employing Sophie’s impulsive friend Tula, whose crush on him is decidedly unrequited. Both girls remain mum about the reasons behind Sophie’s indifference to love. But that doesn’t mean Josh is going to quit trying…

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Excerpt from The Unexpected Consequences of Love

“Nearly done… Oh, it’s you.” Turning, she glimpsed him in the doorway and straightened up. Nodding at Griff, she said, “Have you come to get him? He’s shattered now. I’ve just finished the shoot.”

“I know, I saw the family driving off. And I am sorry. Dot did warn me about the door-opening thing,” Josh admitted. “I just forgot about it. Can I blame it on the jet lag?”

She gave him a look. “Only if you’re a complete wuss. You’ve had a whole week to get over it.”

Her eyes were bright and sparkling, silver-gray with very white whites. Her well-defined eyebrows were dark but tipped with gold and there was a smudge of mud on her left temple.

It wasn’t an expression he’d ever thought of using before, but it occurred to him that she had joie de vivre.

“True.” He dipped his head in acknowledgment. “All my own fault. So how did it go in the end?”

“Come over here and I’ll show you.” Leading the way across the room, she picked up her camera and began scrolling through the shots, starting with the half dozen or so pre-Griff originals, then on through the second stage of the shoot.

“These are great.” Josh nodded at them, genuinely impressed. “So it ended up not being such a disaster after all.”

“Thanks to me being a complete genius,” she agreed happily. He liked her attitude. “What’s your name?”

“Sophie.”

“Hi, Sophie. I’m Josh.”

“I know. Haven’t you noticed everyone whispering about you since you’ve been back?”

“Not really. Well, maybe a bit. You don’t take much notice after a while.” He paused. “Do you have a business card?”

She took one from an envelope in the side pocket of her black canvas camera case and handed it over.

Sophie Wells Photography. Portraits, Weddings, Commercial was written in silver on a black background, along with her contact details. Josh noticed that as well as the bracelets on her left wrist there was a key attached to a plain silver bangle. He reached out and touched it briefly. “What’s this for?”

“It’s the key to my secret Swiss bank account.” “Amazing. I didn’t know Swiss banks used Yale locks.”

A dimple appeared in her left cheek. “I started wearing it after I locked myself out of my flat three times in one week.”

“Look,” said Josh. “I still feel terrible about the photos.” “No need. I told Emma I’d do them for free.”

“But that means you’re losing out. Which is even worse.” Sophie shook her head. “They all like what we ended up doing instead. Emma’s still happy to pay.” “But their clothes…”

“They live on a farm. She says the mud’ll come out in a boil wash.” “But when I came back here with Griff, she was in tears.”

“I know, but you weren’t actually to blame for that. Relax,” Sophie said cheerfully. “It’s your lucky day. You’re off the hook.”

Women, he’d never understand them. Still, it was a positive result. Somewhat distracted by her eyelashes—were they also gold- tipped beneath the mascara?—Josh said, “Fine then. So long as you’re sure. Can I ask you a personal question?”

“You can try.”

He was charmed by her easy smile, playful humor, and feisty can-do attitude. Okay, and her body was pretty amazing too. “Are you single at the moment? Or seeing someone?”

If she were, he would have to say with good-natured regret, “Well, that’s a real shame,” and leave it at that.

“Me? Oh no, I’m not seeing anyone.” Sophie shook her head. “Completely and utterly single, that’s me.”

Excellent. Enjoying her honesty, Josh said, “So would you like to come out for dinner with me one evening?”

“It would have to be an evening.” Sophie nodded gravely. “Otherwise it wouldn’t be dinner; it’d be breakfast or lunch.”

“Definitely evening,” he agreed. “We could do it tonight if you like.” This is going so well.

“Oh, I can’t.”

“Yes, bit short notice. Friday, then? Or Saturday? You choose, whenever suits you best.”

But even as he was saying it, Sophie was shaking her head. “Sorry, no… I mean, thanks for asking, but I can’t meet you for dinner.”

“Right.” Taken aback, Josh said, “Not at all?” “No.”

“Okay. That’s fine.” It wasn’t remotely fine. What was going on? Did she have a small baby at home, or an elderly relative who couldn’t be left unattended? “Am I allowed to ask why?”

Her eyes sparkled. “Oh dear, are you offended?” “Of course not,” lied Josh.

Sophie gave him a who-are-you-kidding look. “I think you are. Don’t be. I’m just pretty busy right now.”

“So maybe in a couple weeks?” He couldn’t quite believe he was still asking.

“Look, thanks again, but no thanks. I just don’t really want to go out to dinner with…anyone.”

Aaaand another knock-back.

“No problem.” Josh wished he’d never started it. “Sorry.”

He managed a rueful smile. “Hey, all I need is a few months for my ego to recover. I’ll be fine.”

“It’s not you.” Sophie’s mouth was twitching. “It’s me.”

Okay, now she was making fun of him.

“Well, obviously,” said Josh.

 

About the Author

jillWith over 9 million copies sold, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Jill Mansell writes irresistible and funny romantic tales for women in the tradition of Marian Keyes and Sophie Kinsella. She worked for many years at the Burden Neurological Hospital, Bristol, and now writes full time. She lives with her partner and their children in Bristol, England.

Jill’s Website, Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads

 

 

 

 

GIVEAWAY – OPEN TO US/CANADA

A Jill Mansell Book Bundle up for giveaway!

Enter via the Rafflecopter giveaway below…

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

Source: Post info received from Sourcebooks publicist. Photo taken from Sourcebooks website. Giveaway sponsored by Sourcebooks. No compensation was received.
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Comments

  1. Ann says

    January 27, 2015 at 5:00 am

    I’m not sure if it’s considered a chick flick but “While you were Sleeping is my favorite.” I’m glad to see another Jill Mansell book featured and with a setting in Cornwall (my favorite place) it’s sure to be an entertaining read.
    Ann

  2. Sandy McCarthy says

    January 27, 2015 at 7:31 am

    Love the fun and humorous chick flicks!
    Thanks for the giveaway!
    sandy.mccarthy@yahoo.com

  3. Sandra Furlotte says

    January 27, 2015 at 9:15 am

    My favourite chick flick is Austenland.

  4. anne says

    January 27, 2015 at 9:35 am

    Sleepless in Seattle. Thanks for this great giveaway.

    • Wall-to-wall books says

      January 30, 2015 at 6:39 am

      Yay! My favorite too!

  5. Deanna S says

    January 27, 2015 at 10:06 am

    I liked “Love Story”…

  6. Connie Fischer says

    January 27, 2015 at 10:10 am

    I like Jennifer Aniston and love her “Horrible Bosses” movie.

  7. Karen B says

    January 27, 2015 at 10:46 am

    I loved the movie – and book – The Bridges of Madison County. Hmmm – guess that gives you a clue about my age~!

  8. Lisa S. says

    January 27, 2015 at 10:57 am

    My all time fave is “50 1st Dates”. Can you imagine a guy going through all of those things every day to win her over?! That’s amazing to me that one guy would have that much attention to details & patience too.

  9. Nise' says

    January 27, 2015 at 12:17 pm

    It is too hard to choose just one. I just watched Sixteen Candles, it is one of my favorites.

  10. Jessica M says

    January 27, 2015 at 12:20 pm

    I have always loved ‘An Officer and a Gentleman’.

  11. Janet Senk says

    January 27, 2015 at 1:18 pm

    I would love to read this book of yours, and I added you to my favorite authors list. Here’s hoping to win. Thanks.

  12. Janet Senk says

    January 27, 2015 at 1:19 pm

    Forgot to add that I loved Sex and the City as a chick -flick movie (and tv series-books).

  13. Suko says

    January 27, 2015 at 1:31 pm

    My favorite chick flick is a movie I just saw, Wild. Thanks for hosting this giveaway. I will add it to my blog.

  14. Suko says

    January 27, 2015 at 1:35 pm

    When does this giveaway end, Darlene?

  15. Nancy Luebke says

    January 27, 2015 at 2:55 pm

    It’s actually a musical called Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. A Lot of humor in it too.

  16. Terry M says

    January 27, 2015 at 3:06 pm

    One of my favorites is Love Actually. I also really like Shakespeare in Love.

  17. Lisa Garrett says

    January 27, 2015 at 3:10 pm

    Pretty Woman

  18. bookworm says

    January 27, 2015 at 3:36 pm

    Hi Dar 🙂 I’m a fan of this authors as well and I have a copy of this one too. I look forward to your review.
    Hope you and Sammy are well!

    On a different note, I’m back to blogging, slowly but surely.

  19. Maxie Anderson says

    January 27, 2015 at 3:58 pm

    I would pick “You’ve Got Mail”. Hope thats a chick-flick. Think it is. I would love to win this bundle of books. Thanks.
    Maxie > mac262(at)me(dot)com <

  20. CassandraG says

    January 28, 2015 at 11:38 am

    Lost in Austen.

  21. Kimberly V says

    January 29, 2015 at 4:32 am

    I’ve always really liked When Harry Met Sally.

  22. Anna says

    January 29, 2015 at 10:53 am

    I can’t wait to read this one! I have so many favorite “chick flicks,” but two that come to mind are Leap Year and Letters to Juliet because they were the first that I shared with my daughter. 🙂

  23. Serena says

    January 29, 2015 at 12:04 pm

    Does Pride & Prejudice count with Matthew MacFayden as Mr. Darcy?! That’s my favorite chick flick!

  24. Bookfool, aka Nancy says

    January 29, 2015 at 12:39 pm

    Hmm, I don’t see the question that everyone’s answering but clearly it’s a question about chick flicks, so . . . I guess my personal favorites are While You Were Sleeping and Notting Hill. BTW, I’m a Jill Mansell fan from way back in the 90s. Love everything she writes. Thanks for hosting a giveaway!

  25. Wall-to-wall books says

    January 30, 2015 at 6:37 am

    I always love her book covers. Jill is always good for a great fun read!

    My top 2 chick-flicks are
    Sleepless in Seattle
    Sweet Home Alabama

    Ive seen them both 100 times

  26. Kristen says

    January 30, 2015 at 5:55 pm

    My fave chick flick dates all the way back to Say Anthing. 🙂

  27. Debbie Kennedy says

    January 31, 2015 at 10:10 am

    Not sure if it would be classified as a chick flick but I love watching “Grease”

  28. holdenj says

    February 3, 2015 at 6:11 pm

    I think my favorite chick flick is Holiday. Thanks!

  29. Mary says

    February 4, 2015 at 3:44 am

    My favorite chick flick is In Her Shoes.

  30. Nancy says

    February 4, 2015 at 10:10 am

    While You Were Sleeping immediately comes to mind.

  31. Melissa K says

    February 4, 2015 at 10:16 am

    I don’t know if I have a favorite Chick Flick. I do like Chick Lit. Sixteen canldes (as someone mentioned above) is one of my favorite movies. I think that counts. I am also a fan of the SATC move. The first one. As well as Sweet Home Alabama.

  32. Margie says

    February 4, 2015 at 1:05 pm

    I like Road to Rodanthe.
    Thanks for the giveaway.

  33. Robin in NC says

    February 4, 2015 at 4:12 pm

    SLEEPLESS IN SEATTLE!!

  34. Elizabeth says

    February 9, 2015 at 5:31 pm

    I am a huge Jill Mansell fan, also Katie Fforde.

  35. Elizabeth says

    February 9, 2015 at 5:44 pm

    Oops! I answered chick lit not flick! I like the teen chick flicks like Bring I On and Pitch Perfect.

    Also, I haven’t used the rafflecopter before, so I may have done something wrong, but I “brought my friends” and it never went through.

  36. SeasideBookNook (Jill) says

    February 13, 2015 at 9:32 pm

    For such an easy question – this is really hard. I am going to go with just ONE of my favorites….Mama Mia

    Thanks for the giveaway.

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