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Happy 2010!

Welcome to a new decade - and a new release.

Heated Rivalry, my April 2010 release, is a contemporary romance featuring advertising executive and former National Basketball Association superstar Steven Crennell who fakes a relationship with his boss’s daughter, Vanessa Parker, to escape the schemes of his ex-fiancée. The story’s theme is self worth. Who determines your worth? You? Or someone else?

Here’s what some of our favorite authors have said about Heated Rivalry:

"When ex-NBA star Steven meets advertising executive Val,
The Taming of the Shrew never read so well – or so sexy."
Shirley Hailstock
best-selling author of The Right Wedding Gown.

“The age-old romantic conflict of opposing lovers is fresh and exciting in the skillful hands of Patricia Sargeant. Heated Rivalry steams the page from the beginning to the satisfying end."
Donna Hill
Essence best-selling author of What Mother Never Told Me.

“Patricia Sargeant not only touches the heart, she touches the soul of the reader."
Karen Kelley
USA Today best-selling author of Dating Outside Your DNA

“Heated Rivalry sparks with sexual tension.”
Janice Maynard
USA Today best-selling author of The Mating Game

Heated Rivalry is available for pre-order. Pre-order links appear below. I’ve also included an excerpt and the back cover copy below. If you have an opportunity to read the story, I’d love to know what you think.

Until next time, happy reading!

Patricia

Heated Rivalry
A Kensington Publishing mass market paperback
Contemporary romance
ISBN-10: 075823144X
ISBN-13: 9780758231444
$6.99 US

He knows how to win her surrender

She Wants What He's Got
Valerie Parker is desperate to win the affection of her emotionally distant father and land a promotion at his advertising firm. Her biggest obstacle is junior partner Steven Crennell, a dazzling former NBA star who scores all the big accounts. But Valerie's attempt to outshine her charismatic rival unexpectedly leads her straight into his arms.

And She's Everything He Needs
Steven hopes to dispel the playboy stereotype left in the wake of his NBA career. Between battling his ex-fiancée and focusing on his work, finding his soul mate isn't on the agenda...until he meets his match in Valerie. And when competition leads to explosive passion, he learns that the game of life-and love-involve a very different set of rules.

Pre-order from Amazon.com
Pre-order from Barnes & Noble
Pre-order from Books-a-Million
Pre-order from Borders
Pre-order from Indie Bound
Pre-order from Powells

Heated Rivalry excerpt:

“You’re mistaken.” Steven paced toward Valerie. “I’m not suggesting we exchange accounts. They’re both mine. But I’m willing to give one to you.”

Valerie arched a brow. “Your generosity leaves me breathless.”

Interesting choice of words. Steven’s gaze dipped to her lips. Their natural color made him wonder if she wore lipstick. Perhaps he could tell with a taste. “I thought you wanted a promotion?”

“I do. But on my merit, based on what I’ve worked for. Not because I’m serving as a shield between you and your fiancée.”

That stung. “My ex-fiancée. And I’m not asking for a shield. I think it would be less awkward – for the firm – if you took the account.”

“Your discomfort isn’t going to keep me up at night. But if your conscience wakes up and decides to give me back my account, call me.”

She slipped past him again, this time back to her conversation table. Right back to where they’d started. Just then, in his peripheral vision, Steven noticed Traci through the glass wall of Valerie’s office, frowning at Valerie with a mixture of hostility and curiosity. A plan to free himself from his dilemma sprang to mind. Steven didn’t stop to think. He didn’t measure the pros and cons. He had to act now or lose the momentum of this fast break.

He reached out, curving an arm around Valerie’s slender waist and stepping closer to her. Her dark eyes flared wide. Her moist lips parted as though she was about to speak. Without hesitation or warning, Steven lowered his head and sealed her mouth with his own.