Welcome to “At First Sight Saturday.” Today’s guest is author, Estelle Pettersen who gives us a ‘first sight’ scene from her book Lessons on Seduction and introduces us to hero, Julian Richland and heroine, Sapphire Blake. Be sure to leave a comment to let Andrea know your thoughts about the scene.

Excerpt:  One framed sepia photo suddenly caught my eye—it featured a dangerously handsome man with dark hair and strong shoulders. The way he gazed into the camera lens was as if he wanted to tell a story with his mysterious, dark eyes.

“Vera, who is this? Is he your boyfriend?”

“Him? Oh, goodness, no! That’s my older brother, Julian.”

“He’s a good-looking guy.” I traced the outline of his muscled arm.
“Oh, honey, I’ll give you one piece of advice: you don’t want to get involved with him,” Vera chuckled.

“Oh, don’t worry, I won’t. I’m freshly single, and I need some breathing space,” I assured her.

“Breathing space … we all need that from time to time, hon. Don’t forget to have a bit of fun.” Vera revealed a Mona Lisa smile, pointing her index finger at me.

“Oh, I won’t forget.” I grinned at Vera.

“I’m going to have a quick shower. Make yourself at home. There’s coffee and tea in the kitchen downstairs. You’ll find it when you go past the living room,” she said.

“Sure thing, sailor.” I smiled at her.

I made my way down the stairs. I entered the modest living room, which featured a floral sofa with waxed oak legs, two beige recliners, a mahogany coffee table, and a white piano tucked in the left corner near the window. Speaking of the devil himself, my heart leaped in shock when I noticed Julian rummaging the bookcase, in a frantic search for a particular book.

“Oh goodness, I didn’t realize you were in here!” I held my hand to my heart.

“Oh, hi.” Julian turned around.

Our eyes were locked—there was no denying that there was an instant chemistry. You either had it, or you didn’t, and there was no “lukewarm” with me. The man’s frantic expression dropped, and his eyes softened when he saw me.

“I’m Sapphire, Vera’s friend.” I reached my hand out to shake his. He wiped his left hand on his jeans, then shook mine.

Oh, he’s left-handed.

“I’m Julian.” His espresso eyes expressed an element of honesty and gentle kindness, which I admired in a man.

“Hi, Julian.” I smiled widely. I tilted my head to the side and tucked my hair behind my ear as a nervous habit.

“You’ve got the most interesting smile,” he complimented.
“Julian … it’s a beautiful name for a beautiful man.” Did I really say that? Yeah, I did.

At first, he didn’t respond. However, he eventually let slip a small grin, then slowly fished a novel out of the bookshelf. “Here. It’s one of my favorite books.” Julian handed me a copy of Quo Vadis by Henryk Sienkiewicz. I took the book and stared at the cover.

“It’s a good piece of fiction set in ancient Rome, based on events shortly after Christ’s crucifixion. The author won the Nobel prize for literature in 1905,” he explained.

“I love good books with a touch of history,” I confessed.

“Then you’ll enjoy reading that one.” Julian pointed at the book.

Blurb:  When college student Sapphire Blake finds herself fresh out of a breakup, she is ready to embark on a new journey in her life. A dark, sensual journey. Freeing herself from the expectations set by her family, friends, and church, an innocent and unworldly Sapphire begins experimenting with her new casual lover, Vera Richland.

Julian Richland is ridiculously handsome, smart, and intimidating. This university professor finds himself enthralled in a sensual relationship with a woman willing to pay top money for his time in the bedroom. To pay off his debts and continue leading his lavish lifestyle, Julian discovers the world filled with sex, drugs, and lies may not be for him as he first thought. With his contract almost up, Julian has his sights set on a new endeavor.

When the pair are introduced by none other than Julian’s own sister, sparks are ignited as Julian sees past the conservative stigma Sapphire believes the world has placed on her. Instead, he sees a sexy vixen—and he can’t help but admit he wants her.

As the couple begins a dangerous, passionate liaison, secrets become exposed and lives are threatened. Will Julian be able to save his relationship with Sapphire and rekindle the fiery flame they share? Or, will fate have another ending in store? Find out in this thrilling and erotic new adult romance novel.

Available now: Amazon  or Universal Buy Link

About Estelle:  Estelle Pettersen is an Australian author and former journalist whose romance stories explore empowerment, freedom, and finding one’s strength. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree, majoring in Journalism and Psychology, from the University of Queensland, Australia. Her second degree is an MBA from Queensland University of Technology, Australia. She is a member of Romance Writers of Australia and is passionate about history, languages, cultures, traveling, food, and wine. She is happily married and living in Norway these days.

Find Estelle On Line:   Facebook   Twitter   Amazon page   Author website   Goodreads   Pinterest   MeWe   LinkedIn   Blog