March 5, 2008 • Print This Post
My newest book, RIGHT HERE, RIGHT NOW came out last week. [Go buy it.] The release of this one is special thrill for me. I wrote it while moving across the country, switching from being a full-time lawyer to being a full-time writer, and while I was so sick with a flu that would not leave my body that I could not lift my head off the pillow. Sounds fun, doesn’t it? [Feel bad for me and buy it.] And, here’s the painful part, I wrote it twice. The first time I wrote it, I got all the way to page 250-something and decided it wasn’t good enough. [It's fabulous now, so buy it.] I threw out all but the first 35 pages or so and started again. The re-write wasn’t as bad as it sounds. Really. [Despite that, you should feel obligated to buy it.] I couldn’t see where the book should go at first. Once I did, the writing went very fast. [Did I mention this is a Romantic Times 4 1/2 Star Top Pick!]
So, what is it about? I describe it like this: what happens when two people who lie for a living have to figure out how to tell the truth about what they feel for each other. RIGHT HERE, RIGHT NOW starts with a break-up. Not a little misunderstanding. This is an “it’s not you, it’s me” then dump-the-wine-over-his-head break-up. The very beginning looks like this:
“This isn’t working.”
There they were. To Gabrielle Pearson the phrase stood second only to “it’s not you, it’s me” as the most lame male excuse on the planet for cutting out of a date before the dessert menus hit the table.
Gabby glanced around the upscale restaurant looking for reinforcements. If anyone heard Reed Larkin’s big kiss off over the rumble of conversation and clanking of silverware, they were not letting on. No one held up a roll ready to lob it at Reed’s fat head. A shame, really, since his over-inflated ego made it the perfect target.
“Gabby? Did you hear me?” Reed asked with his suddenly not-so-kissable mouth turned down in concern.
“I’m not deaf. I was thinking.” Thinking that a woman never had a vial of strychnine when she needed one.
He frowned. “I was-”
“It’s interesting, don’t you agree?”
He switched to squinting. “You lost me.
“Obviously.”
She lowered her fork to the white tablecloth, but not before toying with the idea of stabbing Reed smack in the center of his perfectly angled chin. One hit of the sharp prongs and no woman would ever be lured in by his inviting sexy smile again.
“I’m talking about your timing, Reed. You waited until you were done with your meal to make this announcement. You skipped the appetizer course and choked back your undercooked steak without taking a breath.” Now she knew why.
Reed was a man on the run.
The big weasel.
Here she thought tonight, formal date number nine, might be the date. The one to capture all the heat pulsing between them with a bedroom ending. Hell, she’d be lucky to get cab fare out of him now.
Reed took a long swallow of water.
When he didn’t choke, Gabby cursed life’s unfairness. “I’m assuming I’m the part of the relationship that’s not working.”
“Look, it’s not you. It’s-”
Oh, no, no, no. “Don’t finish that sentence.”
If he continued down that road the half of the salmon filet she did manage to swallow would make a repeat performance all over his expensive navy suit. Tempting but not going to happen.
“What’s wrong with you?” he asked as if he actually did not know.
“Just don’t.” She pointed a finger in the general direction of Reed’s heart to back up her threat.
Those ice blue eyes that were so attractive up until five minutes ago blinked several times. “Gabby, we should-”
“Stop talking before someone loses a body part.” Her gaze dropped to her fork. “Preferably you.”
Doesn’t sound too romantic, does it? But it is. Gabby and Reed just need to find their way back to each other…and they do.
You interested? Do you like stories that start with the parties being estranged? Comment here and you’ll be entered to win a $15.00 Amazon gift certificate. [Which you could use to buy, oh, let me suggest, RIGHT HERE, RIGHT NOW...] 
Posted by HelenKay Dimon @ 5:00 am • Filed under: HelenKay Dimon
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Hey HelenKay. I bought it and read it already. I loved Reese’s and Gabby’s story, and how it seemed rather impossible that they’d get back together after that infamous restaurant scene, but you did it, and it worked! You had me at “pizza” *g*
Looking forward to your next release!
Wow, I’m hooked ! I love these kinds of stories!
Hi Helenkay, I definitely do like books where characters are estranded, one that comes to mind is The Trouble With Paradise by Jill Shalvis, love that book!
I’m looking forward to reading your new release, it sounds wicked funny!
I do like it when they know each other and there is some bad feelings that have to be worked out. The can be minor or major but I like watching them change their focus from dislike to respect to love.
HelenKay, this book sounds wonderful. You know I adored Viva Las Bad Boys and lovedYour Mouth Drives Me Crazy. This book will be another hot & hilarious read
. The excerpt is great and already had me laughing.
I wish you huge success with this latest release.
I love these kinds of stories. Great excerpt.
HelenKay, this sounds like it’s just my cup of tea! Can’t wait to read the whole thing!
This sounds compelling and intriguing. I enjoy stories that focus upon estranged relationships. Best of success.
Heck, I just about anything and hey, I like reading anything that the h/h go through and have to work through — makes it all the more exciting!
Lois
Fascinating and great book which appeals to me. Any type of conflict and estrangement is a real page turner for me.
Conflict can give us some great sexual chemistry, so yes, it would definitely want me reading more. Already have this title on my wish list.
Gee! I think I’ll GO BUY IT. *G*
Terrific excerpt
This is a definite must read for me. 
sounds very interesting, love the excerpt, the all conflicts
I love these kind of stories, makes the HEA even more sweet. Can’t wait to read “Right Here, Right Now.”
Well, not to sound like I am sucking up, but you have become a must read for me!
Therefore, I am very interested in this book!
I bought it over the weekend but haven’t had a chance to start it yet. Looking forward to having time to read it soon.
Congrats. The book sounds awesome. I know it would be a great story. Anything relating to tension within a relationship is a great subject.
Since Your Mouth Drives Me Crazy you are an auto buy for me.
Stacy - Thank you!! I’m so happy to know you enjoyed it.
Huge thanks to those who bought my previous books and this one. I love hearing that!!
Brandy - I see my subtlety worked
Yes, estranged is good - that means tension (sexual I am sure - LOL) and something to look forward to watching them get together. I am sure I will love the book.
I’ve also bought and read it already and it’s terrific! Best of luck HelenKay - I hope everyone reads this romantic, funny and delightful book!
Great exerpt, I love these kinds of books. You have got me I want to read this one. Send that gift card my way. Then I’ll have the book, but maybe I can find it in my book store.
It sounds really good to me and I always like a touch of humor with my romance.
I do enjoy these kind of stories. I am certainly intrigued by your story.
Hi HelenKay,
I do like stories where the characters start out estranged, because one of my favorite aspects of romances is the character and relational development. This just gives them that much more to work for. I loved the excerpt! Thanks for sharing it and congratulations on your new release!
I do enjoy those stories… I think it can be harder to reconcile people with a past than to get two new H/H’s together. And many times it’s far more interesting.
BTW, great cover!
Congrats on your new release, Helen Kay! I have YOUR MOUTH DRIVES ME CRAZY next on my TBR stack. Your titles really rock, btw. I can’t wait to read it and RIGHT HERE RIGHT NOW. (I have a strong, inexplicable urge to GO BUY THIS BOOK NOW) LOL.
I love books that drop the reader right into the middle of things. I want to trust the writer and see how the story will unfold. I love it when it seems as though all is lost and the author surprises me, making things work out–sometimes in ways I didn’t expect.
I love stories like this - it’s so fun to watch the characters get over their antagonism. I’m so excited your book is now out!
Thanks for all the support. I hope you all pick up a copy of RIGHT HERE, RIGHT NOW and love it. And I can help one person with that right now…the winner is Rhonda M. Congrats!!! Email me and I’ll get that prize out to you.
wtg rhonda m
Sounds great! Love books like this!
Thanks! I sent out an email.