Mari Carr's Blog, page 47

On the 6th Day

Yesterday’s winner is Barbara. Don’t forget to comment today for your chance to win!

It was a Full Moon in June! That’s the month book two in my Second Chances series released. I’m a huge fan of writing series, especially ones with lots and lots of books. Writing The End on the final Wild Irish book just about killed me! I hated leaving that family. But starting this series and becoming involved in the lives of the Wine Girls has felt a bit like coming back home.

How about a look at Full Moon?

Excerpt:

*Note–sharing this snippet makes me smile because I’m currently working on Shelly’s story, Never Been Kissed, and as happens a lot in these books, certain scenes overlap. I just rewrote this visit to Blue Moon from Shelly’s point of view. My favorite parts to write are the ones that appear in one book and then again in a later one. So cool to imagine the events from different perspectives.

“Tonight’s full moon is sex in public.”

Jake choked on the drink and put the glass back down. “In public?”

She nodded.

“What the hell do you mean by full moon?”

Josie considered avoiding the question, but there was no harm in telling him the truth. She explained about her list and her desire to fulfill the fantasies.

“So what’s on the list? Besides the stranger danger and PDA ones.” Jake was exactly as she’d remembered him. Unflappable, fun, funny.

She shook her head. “I’m afraid the contents of the list are privileged information. If I told you, I’d have to fuck you.”

Jake grasped her shoulder, pulling her closer. “I’d have no problem with—”

“Jake?” A waitress stood by their table. She pointed to a couple of loud drunks by the door. “I think we might have trouble. You wanna take care of it?”

Jake sighed. “Yeah, sure. I’ll be right over.”

The waitress went back to work.

Jake leaned closer, whispering in her ear. “If you don’t have any luck with number two on the list within the next hour, come find me.”

Josie didn’t have a chance to respond before Jake rose and went to address the problem by the entrance. She took a sip of her drink, hoping it would calm her down. It was suddenly quite warm in the bar.

Josie watched Shelly and Lance dance, then gazed around the room. The place was crowded and there certainly wasn’t a shortage of men hanging around, either drinking alone or standing in large groups.

She spotted one large table across the room. It appeared the men were all out for a bachelor party. She found the groom-to-be instantly. The party must have been going for a while because the man had at least a dozen empty shot glasses in front of him. His friends were sending him out of bachelorhood in style. She slowly studied each of the men at the table, silently trying to decide which were married, which were mama’s boys, which were playboys.

Josie had never paid much attention to the opposite sex. Tony had been her first boyfriend. She’d fallen fast and hard for him toward the end of their junior year in high school and she’d convinced herself she was lucky. She’d honestly believed she’d found her soul mate at sixteen.

She closed her eyes wearily. The silly romantic girl she had been was long gone, leaving Josie struggling to figure out what her beliefs regarding love were now. Since the divorce, Josie had concentrated on setting up a new home for her and her son, working long hours to pay the bills, and avoiding the dating scene as much as possible because she refused to open up a revolving door of men in Tommy’s life.

She remembered too well how painful it was when her mother would bring home a new boyfriend, include him in every aspect of their lives, then yank him out again after the break-up.

Josie wouldn’t—couldn’t—do that to Tommy. The full-moon list had been created to protect him. And her.

So while she was tempted by Jake’s offer, she wasn’t sure she should accept it. She’d thought about the handsome bartender too many times the past few weeks. If she had sex with him again, wasn’t she sort of tempting fate and running the risk of developing feelings for him?

As tough as she tried to pretend she was, Josie knew when it came to matters of the heart, she was way too soft.

A man lingered at the edge of the dance floor by her table and gave her a friendly smile. It wouldn’t take much effort on her part to show interest, to invite him over.

Josie glanced over her shoulder and watched Jake deal with the two drunks by the door. Apparently a fight had been brewing between them, but somehow Jake had calmed the waters. They were laughing at something Jake had said. She smiled. Then she ignored the stranger and stood up, approaching Jake just as the two men shook his hand and said goodbye.

“Hey, gorgeous.” Jake glanced at his watch. “It’s only been fifteen minutes. Are you coming to give me the brush-off?”

She shook her head. “No. I don’t want to wait an hour.”

Jake’s eyes darkened with lust and her body responded instantly. “Come with me.”

Full Moon is available from Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Samhain.

Josie’s goal for a second chance at happiness was to create a list of sex fantasies that she would attempt to accomplish one by one on each full moon night. She included things like sex with a stranger, on the beach and in public. So today’s question is going to be just a bit naughty. What’s one item that would appear on your Full Moon list? Comment here for your chance to win a copy of Full Moon. And don’t forget to enter the Rafflecopter contest if you haven’t had a chance to do so yet. 

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On the 7th day…

Yesterday’s winner is JoAnna B. Don’t forget to comment today for your chance to win!

Today is all about print books! I consider myself primarily an ebook author. Let’s face it, most of my stories are out in ebook format for a year or more before they ever hit print. However, this year…I seemed to hit the jackpot as quite a few of my stories released in print. While I adore my Kindle and prefer to do my reading on it, there’s nothing quite like holding a book I’ve written in my hands and flipping through the pages, cuddling it a bit. lol.

Here’s a list of the books that released in print this year.

Western Ties is available at Samhain, Amazon, Barnes and Noble.

How strong are the ties that bind?

Sawyer Compton commands total control in his life, inside and outside the bedroom. When he spots Compton Pass girl Leah Hollister in a BDSM club in Los Angeles, he knows exactly how the night is going to end—with her as his submissive. He’s always wanted Leah, but didn’t think she could handle in his darker urges.

Leah travels to L.A. to confirm her suspicions about her sexual desires. She certainly couldn’t explore her desires for bondage and pain with someone from her small hometown. Her plans are shot to hell when Sawyer—her girlhood crush—claims her for the weekend. She didn’t expect to enjoy the comfort his familiarity brings, even as his touch takes her to heights of pleasure she’d only imagined.

When life kicks him the gut, Sawyer struggles with the unfamiliar feeling of helplessness. Luckily, Leah is more than prepared to offer him everything he needs to recover—her body, her friendship and her heart.

Question is…will Sawyer relinquish control and accept her love?

Warning: Invest in tissues. Lots and lots of tissues. Between spicy, set-the-sheets-on-fire bondage romps and the last Compass brother coming home–you’ll need them.

Wicked Curves is available at Samhain, Amazon, and Barnes and Noble.

Happy Hour

When Jamie and Trey make Grace the offer of a lifetime, she jumps at the chance. The threesome spend one night indulging every desire, every craving. Trey says goodbye in the morning, but when Jamie asks Grace to stay, she wonders if a happy hour can become a happier lifetime?

Slam Dunk

Trey wants Ellie. If only she’d stop holding him at arm’s length long enough to give him a chance. Ellie has sworn off workplace romances for good reason, but Trey is a serious threat to her resolve. Maybe it wouldn’t hurt to fudge the rules. Just a little.

Just Because is available at Samhain, Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

Because love is never wrong.

Meet the James men. Bodies of iron, nerves of steel…and hearts of gold.

Because of You

Eight months after her husband’s untimely death, Jessie isn’t ready to meet anyone new, but a gay men’s party should be safe.

Caleb James never expected to fall love at his gay brother’s party. Now he aches with love he can’t give her. What he can give her is help—ready or not.

Because You Love Me

After witnessing a murder, Bridget is tired of living in fear and convinces her guardian cops she’s safer off the grid.

It’s doesn’t take Mark and Matt James long to figure out that the safest place for Bridget is between their hot, hard bodies…

Because It’s True

Jacob James falls for Rodney the moment the NYC cop crash lands into his life. But when Rodney is shot in the line of duty, Jacob finds his affections rebuffed.

Rodney is grateful for the sexy cowboy’s help and friendship, but how can he offer Jacob his love when his future is so uncertain?

Product Warnings

This book contains many different kinds of relationships: love through loss, a cowboy ménage a trois, biracial and homosexual love. Because love is love—no matter what shape, size or color.

Covert Lessons is available at Ellora’s Cave, Amazon, Barnes and Noble.

Gangs are taking over the hallways of Lowell High School. Desperate to save her alma mater, English teacher Kelly Finch reaches out to at-risk students in an effort to steer them from more dangerous pursuits. Still, gang activity is rising, and when the superintendant seeks help from an undercover task force, Kelly is forced to play host to the most arrogant, infuriating, sexy man she’s ever met—Lt. Jared McNally.

The opinionated pair clash constantly, especially when Mac sets his sites on Kelly’s favorite student. As the intensity of the mission grows, so does their attraction, leading to an erotic “punishment” for Kelly when she consistently disregards her own safety.

But the stubborn beauty’s devotion to her students continues to bring her closer to the escalating gang violence. If Mac can keep her safe long enough, she’ll definitely need a few more sensual, covert lessons.

Publisher Note:  For more sexy suspense featuring staff from Lowell High, check out Retreat.

Top Shelf is available at Amazon, Ellora’s Cave, and Barnes and Noble.

Party Naked ……….. Cocktales, Book One Stephanie Harper is perfectly happy co-owning Books and Brew, where she slings drinks and entertains her friends with cutting wit and a cynical take on love. She’s convinced she has no time for anything deeper than sex, she has a business to run, after all. And her thrice-married mother has proven happy ever after doesn’t exist. Jarod Nolan begs to differ. Chance has him running into Steph—and giving her a ticket—one morning, but it’s fate that finds him in her place of business that same evening. A sizzling one-night stand ensues, and although Stephanie escapes before he wakes the next morning, Jarod is already sure she’s worth the chase. Steph’s more than willing to party naked with the hot cop, but she’s adamant they’re driven by lust, not love. Jarod is prepared to prove otherwise, even if it means giving up one of the things he and Stephanie do best… What’s that old saying? Abstinence makes the heart grow fonder?

Screwdriver …… Cocktales, Book Two When Jordan Lance isn’t poring over spreadsheets for Books and Brew, she’s fantasizing about the store’s landlord. Too bad she’s squarely in Gabriel’s “just friends” column. Jordan’s prepared to pine forever—until she meets Casey. The handyman is hot, handsome, charming…and Gabriel’s best friend. Suddenly her wicked fantasies are porntastic times two. Casey has suspected his friend’s interest in Jordan. If he can push them together, he might get Gabriel off the bimbo train he’s been riding. The plan? Jealousy. And it’s working. It’s not long before Gabriel’s deeper feelings for Jordan emerge. Problem is…so do Casey’s. What happens when two friends want the same woman? Red-hot ménage, baby. Two gorgeous men exploring every inch of her body? Um, yes please! Jordan doesn’t know if threesomes are considered acceptable, but she’s sure of one thing—being this bad feels far too good.

Misplaced Hearts is available at Amazon and Ellora’s Cave.

Misplaced Princess…….Annie Prince has impetuously flown halfway ’round the world to visit a sexy cowboy she met online—only to find herself stranded in Sydney. Seems she and Dylan crossed wires, and he’s on his way to New York. His twin, Hunter, saves the day and whisks her back to the family cattle station. Hunter’s as easy on the eyes as Dylan, and even easier to talk to. Annie might have flown to Oz to meet one brother, but soon sparks are flying with the other. Hunter considered Dylan a dumb arse for jetting off to America for some stranger—until he met Annie. Turns out the New Yorker is a smart, funny, hard-working jillaroo…and hotter than the Aussie desert. Hunter’s not normally one to poach his brother’s women, but he can’t keep his hands, lips, tongue and other body parts off this sexy city girl. When raging lust leads to emotional attachment, where does that leave Annie and Hunter when her vacation comes to an end—or when Dylan finds out?

Misplaced Cowboy……Flying halfway ’round the world to meet his potential soul mate sounds like a fine idea to Dylan Sullivan—until he discovers said soul mate, Annie, has gone looking for him. In Australia. Now Dylan’s adrift, a bloke from the Outback alone in the bloody big city. Until he’s rescued by Monet, a gorgeous local artist…and Annie’s best friend. A dyedinthewool New Yorker, Monet has never met anyone like Dylan. Taking temporary care of the sizzlinghot cowboy is easy; he’s friendly, funny and interesting. Keeping her hands off him is decidedly not easy. That horny accent, that killer grin…and as a successful artist, Monet is very much a handson sort of girl. Dylan and Monet hold back until they learn Annie is engaged in her own foreign affair in Oz. Then all bets—and clothes—are off. But it can only be a fling. An Aussie cowboy doesn’t belong in New York any more than a city girl belongs in the Outback.

Today’s contest question is easy. If you could win an ebook copy of any book on my backlist, which would it be? I’ll choose a winner from the commenters who will receive that ebook! And don’t forget to enter the rafflecopter contest for the Grand Prize drawing.

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On the 8th day…

Yesterday’s winner is Sarah–with an H (comment #18). Don’t forget to comment today for your chance to win!

The Scoundrels stories at Ellora’s Cave have always been two of my favorite books. Maybe because they tie together my love of historical romance and modern-day erotica. As I’ve mentioned before, I hate to say goodbye to characters. Travis, in White Knight, was such a wounded hero. I knew I wanted to return to that world and I also wanted to try my hand at writing a serial. So…I thought…why not set my serial in Scoundrels, the L.A. sex club featured in Black Jack and White Knight. That way I got to bring back Jack and Emma, Shea and Travis, as well as introduce a new couple in Becca and Parker. The stories were fun to write, though I’ll admit…short stories are a definite challenge. I’m a wordy writer, so forcing myself to flesh out an interesting story in fewer words was quite a lesson in being succinct. The three stories are out now. Heck, the first one is even free, so you can give it a try without any risk. If you like it, the second two are only .99 cents each. If you haven’t had a chance to read them, here’s  a sneak peek at the first story, Behind the Scenes.

Excerpt:

“Parker—”

He reached for the hem of her t-shirt. Becca jerked, gripping his wrists to stop him from tugging the cotton over her head.

“What do you think you’re doing?”

“Getting you accustomed to my touch. You can’t flinch like that on stage. You’re supposed to want me.”

Oh, she wanted him, but she couldn’t let him see that. She refused to be another name on his list of sexual conquests. Her heart simply couldn’t take it if he seduced her, then tossed her aside.

Rather than admit the truth, she latched onto the out he provided. “Which is exactly why this won’t work.”

He shook off her grip and slipped his hands beneath her shirt, stroking her bare skin.

She tried to force air to her lungs, but somewhere along the line, she’d lost the ability to breathe.

Fortunately, Parker didn’t try to kiss her. There was no way she’d find the strength to break away from him if he did. One taste and she’d be a goner.

“That’s better,” he murmured when she relaxed under his soft caresses. “Should I build the scene for you, Becca? Tell you what’s going to happen on the stage tonight?”

“Emma said she would do that.”

Parked placed a gentle kiss on her cheek, his breath hot against the sensitive skin there. “Emma’s not coming back here.”

His words confirmed her suspicions. After Becca revealed her fantasy, Emma had asked if she had anyone in mind to play her leading man. Becca had blurted out Parker’s name before she could think better of it.

Fucking margaritas. She’d tried to pass it off as a joke, but clearly the damage had been done. “The two of you set me up.”

Parker shook his head. “No. Emma helped me set us up.”

“There is no us.”

“Are you so sure of that?” His lips descended on her ear and, taking the lobe between his teeth, he bit down gently.

“I don’t want this.” Yeah right. Liar liar, pussy on fire.

It was Parker’s turn to scoff. “You’re not going to push me away anymore. This was inevitable.”

Becca closed her eyes, fighting for the ability to step away from him. It was a futile effort. “This is just a fantasy, Parker. Playacting. So give me the scene. And let’s get this over with.”

 

Behind the Scenes

Scoundrels Short Stories, book 1

Fantasy…Reality…Action!

Becca Preston, bartender at Scoundrels, learned very early in life that men—especially actors—were not to be trusted. Daughter of one of Hollywood’s hottest leading men, Becca spent most of her life dealing with her father’s other role—king of infidelity. As a result, Becca has one hard and fast rule. Don’t date actors.

When Parker Banks met Bec, he was a struggling actor who worked as a waiter at Scoundrels to make ends meet. Though he wanted to move them out of the “just friends” realm, Becca refused, claiming actors untrustworthy.

After a catching a break on the Scoundrels stage, Parker’s acting career skyrockets. However, while he’s achieving all his goals professionally, there’s still one dream he hasn’t realized. Claiming Becca’s heart.

This short story is part one of a trilogy of stories about Becca and Parker’s romance and it is connected to the Scoundrels series available now at Ellora’s Cave. Approximate word count is 6K words.

Behind the Scenes is available now at Smashwords, Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

Under the Lights

Scoundrels Short Story, book 2

Just how hot does it get under the lights?

Becca Preston has been in love with Parker Banks for years. But she’s resigned herself to the fact her feelings can never be revealed. For one thing, he’s a huge Hollywood movie star and a lifetime spent living with her famous father has taught her actors aren’t exactly known for their fidelity.

But even more problematic is Parker’s dominance. Becca is used to calling the shots and Parker’s dark, commanding presence alarms her, leaves her frightened, confused…breathless.

Parker is most at ease onstage. So what better place than Scoundrels for him to capture his elusive beauty, Becca. Tonight, under the lights, he’s determined to set her body on fire, bring her darkest fantasies to life…and claim her heart once and for all.

This short story is part two of a trilogy of stories about Becca and Parker’s romance and it is connected to the Scoundrels series available now at Ellora’s Cave. For better enjoyment, it is suggested that you read Behind the Scenes before reading this book. Approximate word count is 6K words.

Under the Lights is available at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Smashwords and All Romance Ebooks.

Over the Threshold 

Scoundrels Short Stories, book 3

Does she dare say those three little letters—I Do—that could change her whole life?

Becca Preston is shocked when Hollywood megastar Parker Banks proposes to her on the Scoundrels stage. Though they’ve been friends for years, she’s been very careful to never blur that line. After all, she only has one hard and fast rule—no actors. Her famous father’s infidelities have taught her to keep a firm grip on her heart and she’s never been tempted to break that vow. Until Parker walked back into Scoundrels.

Under the bright lights, he breaks down her resistance, opens her eyes to what could be and makes her question her decision to avoid love with movie stars.

And what happens when the performance becomes real? When sex becomes tied up with emotions? Should Becca cling to her safe, yet lonely life or take a chance and make that trip over the threshold?

This short story is the final installment of a trilogy of stories about Becca and Parker’s romance and it is connected to the Scoundrels series, available now at Ellora’s Cave. For better enjoyment, it is suggested that you read Behind the Scenes and Under the Lights before reading this book. Approximate word count is 6900 words.

Over the Threshold is available at Smashwords, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and All Romance ebooks.

Today’s question is a bit more risqué. The Scoundrels short stories are all about bringing fantasies to life. What’s your ultimate fantasy? Today’s winner will receive all three Scoundrels short stories.

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On the 9th day…

Congrats to yesterday’s winner…flchen1 (Fedora!)! Don’t forget to leave a comment today for your chance to win! 

Yee haw!!! It’s time for the Compass Girls! I was incredibly sad when the Compass Brothers came to an end. So much so, I immediately started nagging Jayne to write more. We had a long discussion about how we could continue the series, while also addressing the relationship of JD and Vicky. So many readers had asked for their story. Then, we came up with the idea for the next generation. We decided there was probably only one that that could bring our alpha cowboys to their knees…and that was daughters. And with that, the Compass Girls series was born.

We’ve been asked quite often how we collaborate on the books. There are lots of different styles of co-writing and the one that has worked Jayne and I is to simply create our own characters in the Compass world, then take the lead on writing those characters’ books. For example, Seth and Sawyer were my brothers, my creations. So I wrote Southern Comfort and Western Ties, while Jayne wrote Northern Exposure and Eastern Ambitions. The collaboration comes in the storyline that weaves its way through all four stories and in conversations where my characters appear in her books and vice versa. We developed the JD story together and advanced it through each to our books.

We’re doing the same thing in the Compass Girls series with the Vicky storyline. Once one of us finished our book, we send it to the other for the first read-through. When I finished writing Winter’s Thaw, Jayne saw it first. She read it, changing up some of the dialogue, etc. whenever her Compass Girls (Hope and Sterling) were involved to make those characters match the women in her head. I did the same thing when Jayne finished Hope Springs…revising anything that touched on my girls, Sienna and Jade. I also wrote the third book, Summer Fling, and Jayne is currently working on the final book, Falling Softly.

The first two books released this year. Winter’s Thaw and Hope Springs are available now. How about a sneak peek at Winter’s Thaw?

“This conversation is way too personal. You’re crossing a line, Daniel.”

“No. I haven’t even started to cross it yet. But I will.” He tightened his grip on her wrist, though the action wasn’t necessary. She wasn’t trying to get away anymore. “It’s like you’re frozen in ice, Sienna. You’ve surrounded yourself with a thick, cold wall hoping it will preserve all the things you think you want and keep you safe from the unknown.”

She didn’t respond, though he felt the slightest tremor in her hand.

“You’re so focused on the end result, you’re stifling yourself. Have you ever said to hell with anything? Ever done something crazy without worrying about the consequences?”

“That would be stupid, reckless,” she whispered.

“Yeah, it would.” He leaned closer, drawing her near enough that he could feel the heat of her breath on his face. “Be reckless,” he dared her. “Just once. Right now.”

She didn’t move, didn’t reject him as he closed the distance between them and kissed her. He kept the touch light at first, gentling her as he would a skittish horse. Her lips gradually softened beneath his. He lifted his hand to her face, cupping her smooth cheek with his palm before running his fingers through her long hair.

Sienna’s name suited her. There was a fiery red fighting to be released from the muted brown she used to bury her true nature.

She responded slowly but surely. Turning her head slightly, she allowed him to deepen the kiss. Her lips parted and he accepted her silent invitation, his tongue meeting hers halfway. She tasted so damn sweet.

Winter’s Thaw, Compass Girls, book 1

Sometimes life doesn’t go according to plan. Sometimes it’s better.

Sienna Compton has it all figured out. Her life’s goals are set and it is all systems go. At least, it was. Until her long-time boyfriend Josh threw a ringer into the master plan, requesting a “break” from their relationship. Now she’s left alone during the long, cold Wyoming winter, questioning what her heart has always believed to be true love.

Daniel Lennon is facing an uncertain future. When a tragic accident leaves him unable to pursue his career as a professional bull rider, he finds himself at Compass Ranch, working to help Sienna’s father, Seth, build his horse breeding business. One look at Sienna has Daniel envisioning things he never imagined wanting—a permanent home, love, marriage—and he’s willing to use all the red-hot tricks in his sexual arsenal to melt the ice surrounding Sienna’s broken heart.

When lust turns to genuine emotion, can Daniel convince Sienna to take a chance on something different and unexpected? Can he persuade her to consider a new path, one that will lead her directly to his arms…forever?

Product Warnings

Roping and riding, past and future, cold winter and fiery desire, lust and love all come together in this new Compass series. Saddle up and hang on. The Comptons are back!

Read Excerpt.

Winter’s Thaw is available from Samhain, Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

Hope Springs

Compass Girls, Book 2

What will grow from the seeds of desire?

Hope Compton never considered her parents’ unconventional relationship a dangerous thing. Until, after a few too many drinks in a crowded bar, she admits her desire for a ménage to her college boyfriend—and uninvited guests try to turn her fantasy into a nightmare.

When Wyatt catches some thugs harassing the pretty daughter of his bosses, he doesn’t hesitate to call on his partner Clayton to kick some asses. But then he realizes what a temptation the sweet, sheltered Hope presents. Especially her naughty wish to unleash her inner vixen—with both of them.

Hope has no doubt her playmates want to fulfill her every desire, but something’s holding them back. She has an idea what those somethings are. With luck, and a little help from her Compass cousins to hold her fathers off, she’ll find what she needs in the shadows of the past—and convince them she’s found two men of her own who are worthy of her love.

Warning: Compass books bring love in every direction and every season. But not all of life’s moments are filled with joy. Take the good with the bad, and the steamy.

Hope Springs is available at Samhain, Amazon, Barnes and Noble and Kobo.

For today’s question…the titles of the Compass Girls books are taken from the four seasons of the year. What’s your favorite season and why? Comment to be entered to win your choice of Winter’s Thaw or Hope Springs.

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On the 10th day…

Congrats to yesterday’s winner…Rita Luken! Don’t forget to leave a comment today for your chance to win! 

And for today…it’s Meg.

As in “Mad about…” What can I say about dear Meg? She’s been EVERYWHERE! Seriously. I wrote Mad about Meg about the same time I wrote Erotic Research. I always say Erotic Research was the first “dirty” book I ever wrote, but the truth is I’m not sure which story I finished first–Meg’s or Julia’s. Here’s what I do know. I subbed them both to Samhain and Ellora’s Cave…around the same time. Ellora’s Cave said no to Erotic Research. Samhain said yes…if I rewrote the hell out it. LOL. They both said no to Mad about Meg. I subbed Meg for one of Samhain’s themed anthologies. At the time, Samhain would put out calls for books with a certain theme. I’m trying to remember which call it was, but sadly…I’m missing a lot of those earlier emails, so I don’t really remember–maybe a holiday one…or a summer vacation one? No idea. Either way, they said no and EC refused as well.

My point is…at the beginning of my career…there were lots of “no’s”. I say this because in the past few years I’ve befriended many aspiring writers. It’s very easy to become discouraged and put off by the negative. But the truth is that’s part of this field. Take your hits, but don’t let them knock you down for good. Get up, dust yourself off and keep learning. When I look at the first round of edits on Erotic Research, I’m MORTIFIED. If you’ve worked in track changes, you’ll understand this. I was working in a sea of RED. Every page…hell, every line, had changes to be made.

So…I understand why Mad about Meg was rejected. And, like the June Girls books, I took the lessons I learned about writing and applied them to Meg. However, once a book has been rejected from a publisher, they won’t look at it again. So while I fixed (aka rewrote the whole freaking thing) neither Samhain or Ellora’s Cave would consider it for publication. At the time, they were my dream pubs. So–I put Mad about Meg up on my website as a free read. The cover you see is one Valerie Tibbs made for me when it was a free read. I just love it!

Then All Romance ebooks put out a call for books they would publish for their Days of Heart campaign. All proceeds went to the American Heart Association. I lost both my granddaddies to heart attacks the year I turned 11. Finally, it seemed like I’d found a place for Meg, somewhere the story could do something good. I submitted her to the fundraiser and ARe accepted her. The campaign ended earlier this year and the rights were returned to me. BTW–the Days of Heart fundraiser was a great success and raised lots of money for the AHA–hooray! The cover on the right is the one ARe used.

But…Meg was a free agent again. And since I’d already attempted self-publishing with the June Girls series, I thought “why not Meg?” I re-released the story in February and at last…my beloved Meg found a permanent home. Sales on the story have been incredible and I’m thrilled that so many people have found this novella. Moral of the story? Never give up on your stories or characters.

How about chapter one of Mad about Meg?

“What do you mean you don’t have my rental car anymore? I called weeks ago to reserve it.” Meg Williams’ flight to Eden Isle had taken three times longer than it was supposed to, due to an oncoming storm and an unexpected layover in Houston because of some faulty gauge on her first connecting flight.

“Yes, ma’am, I’m sure you did,” the clerk answered, “but as I said before, when you didn’t arrive by five o’clock we rented it to someone else. This policy was stated in the rental agreement you signed.”

The airport was packed even though it was midnight on Thursday. Every Valentine’s Day weekend, the small tropical island hosted its own romance fest called Cupid’s Carnival. Meg had watched a program about it on the Travel Channel over Thanksgiving break. At the time, she’d thought the romantic escape was the salve she and her fiancé needed to spice up their waning relationship. She’d immediately begun saving her money and booked the nonrefundable escape to Eden Isle as a surprise. The nonrefundable part didn’t bother her until she’d caught her two-timing boyfriend unwrapping another woman under the tree on Christmas Eve. Unwilling to lose a tremendous amount of money, she’d decided to forge ahead with her long, romantic weekend, sans the romantic part. If nothing else, the trip to the island was a welcome break from work and winter weather, and she could use the long weekend to figure out where in the hell she had gone so wrong with her life.

Unfortunately, her real-life experience wasn’t turning out to be the sun, fun, and fiesta the program promised. She’d already missed her first whole day of vacation, spending it on overcrowded planes and waiting in interminable airport lines, rather than lounging by the pool at her resort hotel. To add insult to injury, she’d spent the last two hours waiting for her luggage, which apparently was, at this very moment, on a slow boat to China. An extremely annoying airline agent was now in possession of her name and hotel information with plans to send her luggage on “just as soon as we find it.”

Yeah right.

“Do you have any cars left?” Meg had specifically rented a convertible sports car, looking forward to four days of cruising around the island with the top down.

“I have one vehicle left.” The clerk was clearly relieved Meg wasn’t going to kick up more of a fuss. Quite frankly, she was too tired to complain. “It’s a very roomy mini-van.”

“Terrific, just what I need, seating for seven when there’s only little old me and no luggage.”

Signing all the appropriate forms, Meg waited inside the door of the airport while an employee of the rental agency fetched her mini-van. She killed the time trying to recall exactly what she’d put in her carry-on bag as she waited. No more clothes, she thought, glancing down at the comfortable travel outfit she’d worn. Having spent the last twenty-two hours in it, she quite frankly would have preferred to burn it rather than have to wear it again tomorrow. She had all her money—thank goodness—her camera, passport and hotel information, aspirin—hallelujah—and her now useless cell phone. She’d dropped and broken it while waiting for her connecting flight in Florida.

Yep. I’m now officially in Hell.

Finally, the employee pulled up with what the rental agent had referred to as a fine car. Clearly, Meg’s definition of fine varied somewhat from the agent’s. If she had any strength left in her body, she would go back and beat the guy over the head with her busted cell phone. Looking at the directions to her hotel, she silently said a prayer that the heap of junk in front of her would make it the ten miles she needed to drive.

“Here you go, miss.” The young valet offered her a smile she felt the incredible urge to run her fist through. “Welcome to Eden Isle.”

As if on cue, the sky opened up and rain came down in a deluge that had her soaked in less than ten seconds. Dripping wet and cold, she climbed into the monstrous van, prayed the windshield wipers worked, and made her way out of the airport parking lot with her head pounding and her teeth chattering.

After thirty minutes of poor visibility and two missed turns, she finally found the right road. According to her directions, she was only a mile from her destination. A quick glance at the clock told her it was nearly one a.m. Thunder and lightning now accompanied the pounding rain, the deafening sound of it only adding to the pressure building behind her eyes. She should have taken a couple of those aspirin back at the airport.

Bright lights in her rear view mirror blinded her for a moment as a car came up from behind, too quickly for her comfort. She knew she was driving slowly, but the visibility was practically zero and she had no idea where she was going.

“You’ll just have to hold your horses, hot shot,” she murmured to the car now riding her rear bumper. “Back off, asshole.” The car continued to drive too close. She tapped on her brake lights twice hoping the driver would get the message, but the car continued to crowd her.

Tired of tailgating, the car crossed the double yellow line and began to pass her. She was even more annoyed when she realized it was an enormous limousine.

“Oh perfect,” she mumbled. “Rich boy too important to wait.”

Suddenly a pair of headlights approached from the opposite lane. Meg’s heart stopped as she watched the limo speed up to pass her before careening head-on with the other car. All she could see before slamming on the brakes was the limo’s license plate—MAD 1—taunting her. She swerved off the road and into a ditch as the limo began coming back into her lane before fully completing his pass. The van came to a relatively easy stop despite the fact Meg was screaming her head off and not really focusing on her driving. Looking up, she saw the limo continue down the road, the taillights of the other vehicle disappearing behind her.

“What kind of place is this?” She’d literally been run off the road in the middle of the night and left alone. If she ever got her hands on that limo driver, she’d kill him.

Taking a deep breath and trying to still her shaking hands, she hit the gas in an attempt to pull back onto the road. Spinning tires greeted her and no amount of gear-switching would budge the vehicle.

“Shit!” Grabbing her carry-on bag and throwing it over her shoulder, she climbed out, kicking the tire as she passed to stalk down the road toward her hotel. If she’d been thinking clearly, she never would have left the safety of the van, but adrenalin and anger had kicked in. She was more furious than she’d ever been in her life.

After ten minutes of trudging through the mud and the rain, the gods smiled on her as she saw the sign for her hotel. Picking up her pace, she sprinted across the dark parking lot. As she approached the front door of the hotel, she spotted MAD-1 sitting under the covered entryway. The stress of the day broke free as she watched the young chauffeur get out of the driver’s seat to open the back door. Meg saw red as she headed for the man who made her wreck her lousy rental car. Out of the corner of her eye she watched a man and woman emerge from the car, but her entire focus concentrated on the cocky blond driver. Walking up to him, she put a finger to his chest and let loose.

“You stupid, ignorant, son of a bitch,” she screamed at the startled man. “You could have killed me. You aren’t fit to drive a bicycle, let alone a limo. As if that’s not bad enough, you left me stuck in a damn ditch by the side of the road in a storm in the middle of the night. I should call the police and have you arrested for reckless driving. I should call—”

“Excuse me, miss,” a calm voice said behind her. Turning, Meg looked up into the face of the most handsome men she’d ever seen in her life. Standing behind him with her mouth agape was his perfect female counterpart, an equally beautiful—actually stunning—brunette. Unfortunately, the man’s pleasing looks only deepened her fury as she took in the dry, immaculate, not-a-hair-out-of-place appearances of him and his lovely companion.

“And you!” Meg could hear the hateful words spew from her mouth, yet she was unable to stop them. “You sit in that goddamned car like some kind of king and don’t even tell him to stop. Clearly you must have more money than brains considering you would hire him to drive your fancy car like Jeff Gordon, taking out anyone else who gets in the way.”

“I’m afraid I’m not sure what you are talking about,” the man answered smoothly despite her insults.

Further angered by his calm demeanor, she continued berating him. “Sure you don’t. That man runs me off the road not ten minutes ago and you don’t have a clue what I’m talking about.”

The man glanced sharply at his driver. “George, is this true?”

Looking at his feet, the young chauffer appeared chagrined by his actions. “I didn’t know she ran off the road.”

“You didn’t know? Did you pull over to check?”

“We were on a tight schedule,” George mumbled. “Already late.”

“Rob.” The attractive woman from the limousine was clearly uncomfortable with the coming confrontation. “I’m going to go in if you don’t need me anymore tonight.”

“Of course, Lana,” Rob replied. “It’s late. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Good night,” Lana purred softly before making her elegant departure. Meg had to restrain herself from rolling her eyes at the woman’s red carpet worthy performance and the two men gawking at her pert little behind as she strolled away.

“And the Oscar goes to…” Meg mumbled.

“I beg your pardon?” Mr. Gorgeous asked.

“Christ,” she muttered as all the fight left her. “Forget it. I’m wet, cold, hungry, tired, and quite frankly, I don’t give a shit about any of this anymore.” She was well aware that her departure, unlike Lana’s, was less than stellar with water streaming off her now see-through pink blouse and linen pants, mud squishing between the toes of the sandals, and her mass of curly blond hair dripping and hanging in her face.

“Miss,” the man called out to her, but Meg kept walking. The end of her hellish day was in sight and nothing was going to stop her from soaking in a nice, hot bath, crawling between the soft cotton sheets of her king-sized bed, and sleeping until noon.

The night clerk at the front desk took in her dirty, wet appearance with disdain. “May I help you, ma’am?”

“Yes.” Meg rummaged through her damp bag. “I have a reservation. My name is Meg Williams. I have the confirmation number here somewhere. Oh yes, here it is.” She pulled out the crumpled computer printout page with her reservation information.

Glancing at his computer, then at her paper and then back at the computer, the man’s earlier haughtiness disappeared before he tugged at his collar and sighed heavily. Meg closed her eyes and waited for the words she’d heard so many times today.

“I’m very sorry, Ms. Williams. There seems to be a problem with your reservation.”

“Of course there is,” she answered. “Let me guess, my name isn’t in your computer and you don’t have any more rooms.”

The man flushed. “Well, actually, yes, that’s true. You have to understand Cupid’s Carnival is our busiest weekend.”

“Save it.” Meg cut him off with her hand. “Are there any other hotels nearby?”

“There are,” the man began, stumbling before adding, “however—”

“They’re all booked too.”

“There isn’t a single vacancy on the island.”

Looking around, Meg spotted the hotel bar.

“How late is the bar open?”

“Until three.” The clerk was clearly surprised by the fact she wasn’t arguing more.

Numb and exhausted beyond belief, Meg merely nodded before walking away. All the fight had been beaten out of her. Eden Island had officially kicked her ass.

Dragging her shoulder bag on the ground behind her, she trudged toward the bar, unable to think beyond the drink she was going to order.

Today’s question is related to Meg’s vacation. If you could travel to any dream location, where would it be? Comment today for a chance to win a copy of Mad about Meg. And…check out the rafflecopter for a shot at the grand prize. 

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On the 11th day…

Congrats to yesterday’s winner…Jana! Don’t forget to leave a comment today for your chance to win! 

Many, many moons ago, I was a stressed out librarian who’d bitten off way more than she could chew at work. Next thing I knew, I was suffering from insomnia and spending far too many nights, wide awake and fighting off panic attacks. At the time, I read historical romance novels voraciously. Books from incredible authors like Stephanie Laurens, Celeste Bradley, Julia Quinn…and my favorite, Diana Gabaldon and her Outlander series. I’d always wanted to write a book, so in an attempt to disappear from the anxiety of real life, I sat down and opened a document with the words Chapter One. It worked. Night after night when sleep plagued me, I fired up the computer and started putting words on the page. Before I knew it, I’d finished No Recourse and No Regrets, my first and only attempts at historical romance. Before I finished writing No Regrets, I’d discovered this erotic romance author, Lora Leigh, and that was all it took! My reading and writing interests turned to the super spicy genre and that hasn’t changed in nearly a decade. Hence…the end of my very brief foray as a writer of historical romance.

At the beginning of this year, I received the rights back to these two stories from my publisher and I decided to self-publish them. My graphic artist friend, Valerie Tibbs, created beautiful new covers for them. I will admit I’ve written loads of stories, but these two are very near and dear to my heart. Mainly because I can remember that amazing sense of accomplishment when I wrote the words “The End” and realized I could actually write a book. They are also the books I’ve rewritten the most! LOL. As I learned more and  more about the actual craft of writing, I applied my lessons to these books. They’ve evolved a great deal from the original stories (they’ve gotten dirtier–heehee), but this world and these June Girls are still…even nearly 10 years later…so vivid in my mind. Probably because…they saved at a time when I really needed saving.

So…how about an excerpt from No Regrets?

“Please,” he whispered desolately. “Go.”

Unwilling to leave him alone with his dark thoughts anymore, she simply shook her head.

“Go,” he repeated, his voice cracking under the strain. “You’re in danger. I told you what will happen.”

“No,” she said, squeezing his hand with hers. “You won’t hurt me and I won’t leave you alone. Not again”

“Dammit, Vee! Get out! I don’t want you to see me like this!” His fear and distress turned back to the red-hot anger she hadn’t seen in him since the night he kissed her roughly in his office.

“Well, that is a shame because I’m not leaving,” she calmly replied.

Without warning, he rose, quickly lifting her in his arms and carrying her to his bed. He deposited her in the center of the silk counterpane, following her down and covering her with his own large body. “I warned you,” he growled, as his mouth covered hers in a hard kiss.

Shock was quickly replaced by desire as she opened her lips to receive his tongue. She wanted this, wanted him, and this time she wouldn’t run from him. It was her turn to shock him as she nipped at his lips with her teeth. His calloused hands gripped her head harder holding her still for his passionate assault. With dueling tongues, teeth and lips, they devoured each other, starving for more.

“Go,” he whispered.

“No.”

Impervious to her response, his lips traveled across her cheek, his tongue caressing the delicate shell of her ear, before taking the lobe in his teeth. She moaned with desire as his hands parted her light robe, touching her everywhere through her conservative gown.

He dragged his lips down her neck, continuing downward, licking her breasts through the material. Nipping softly, he pulled on her nipples, making them hard and eliciting an excited gasp from her kiss-swollen lips.

“Leave,” he said as he drew one of the tight nubs into his mouth.

“No,” she answered breathlessly, grabbing his hair to hold him in place, terrified he’d continue and terrified he’d stop.

With shaking hands, he seized the top of her night rail and tore the material down the center to her waist. Spreading the cloth, he studied her full, white breasts, spellbound for almost a full minute before drawing the rosy nipple into his mouth again.

He filled his hands and mouth with her round fullness, playing with her until she felt an unfamiliar, overpowering twinge in her stomach and even lower. She arched into his powerful hands anxious for something more. As if aware of her feelings, his lips trailed lower, grazing her stomach as his hands grasped the ends of her destroyed gown once again. She waited breathlessly, readying herself to be completely bared to his sight.

He froze, looking up and waiting for her eyes to meet his. “This is your last chance. Tell me to stop.”

Gazing into his eyes, she saw all the vulnerability and uncertainty he tried so hard to hide. In her time at Waterplace, he’d become her friend, protector and employer. Tonight as she looked into his beloved face, she wanted him to be her lover as well. She wanted to erase his past, to make him happy, even if only for a short while.

“No,” she whispered once more. She watched his fear turn to relief and she smiled. “Don’t stop,” she said again, stronger this time.

No Recourse

June Girls, book one

Who says lightning doesn’t strike twice?

When Hayley Garland finds herself out in the English woods late one night, she’s nearly struck by lightning during a freak storm. But what she thought was a near miss is actually a direct hit.

Captain Jack Campbell is riding along the Dover shoreline, cursing his ill-timed trip in a torrential downpour. Before he can find shelter, he discovers something much more interesting: a beautiful redhead.

Sparks fly whenever Hayley and Jack are together—in and out of the bedroom. But between a wicked earl, a missing woman, Hayley’s penchant for finding trouble, and the inconvenience of an unexpected trip through time, they have to find a way to work out their differences before events from the past threaten to take away their future.

This book was previously published and has been revised from its original release.

No Recourse is available at Amazon, Barnes and Noble and Smashwords.

No Regrets

How far would you go to help a friend?

Tori Hamilton’s friends have disappeared without a trace. Mysterious clues lead to their possible whereabouts, but is she willing do what it takes to find them? Even if it means traveling back in time?

Lord Benjamin Sinclair is losing his mind—literally. He’s inherited a rundown estate and become guardian to a little girl—a self-imposed mute—with a tragic past. He’s also found himself in possession of a beautiful amnesiac who seems to have no past at all. On top of all that, he’s suffering from serious nightmares—remnants from his time at war—and an overwhelming sexual attraction to his strange lady.

Soon, Ben and Tori aren’t merely fighting to keep their hands off each other. They’re forced to do battle with a villain determined to silence Ben’s ward once and for all.

This book was previously published and has been revised from its original release.

No Regrets is available at Amazon, Smashwords, ARe and Barnes and Noble.


Now…how about a question for the daily contest? Who are some of your favorite romance authors in either the erotic or historical genres? Answer in the comment’s section for a chance to win an ebook copy of No Recourse or No Return. And don’t forget to enter the grand prize contest through rafflecopter. 

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On the 12th day…

As 2013 winds to a close, I thought it might be fun to hold my own 12 Days of Christmas event. Each day for the next 12 days, I’m going to do a bit of reminiscing about my year, sharing some behind-the-scenes details about the books that released and give you some never-seen-before excerpts to celebrate an amazing year. I was incredibly blessed this year and I want to thank you all for your support! And what better way to celebrate than with prizes! I’ll be offering an ebook up and at the end of the party on Dec. 21, I’ll give away the grand prize–a $25 gift card to Amazon, the winner’s choice of a signed print book from my backlist and a swag bag filled with goodies. There is a rafflecopter below that will show you all the ways you can enter for the grand prize. For the daily contest, all you have to do is leave a comment at the end of each day’s post.

The party kicks off today! In January, Lila Dubois and I released the first book in our Trinity Masters series, Elemental Pleasure. Since then, we’ve also published Primal Passion and Scorching Desire. This red hot erotic series features a secret society that requires its members to agree to be arranged in a menage marriage in exchange for access to some of the most powerful people in America. The Trinity Masters was founded nearly 200 years earlier and membership is only offered to the brightest, most promising minds of the twenty-first century. Matches are made based on the belief that there is power and passion is three.

I’ve spent a lot of this year working closing with Lila and her hubby, Farm Boy, who does the formatting and uploading of the books for us. I like to tease them we’ve formed our own little menage marriage of sorts…from opposite sides of the country! lol

How about a peek at the first story, Elemental Pleasure?

The small foyer was exactly as she remembered. The room was small enough to be mistaken for a closet if anyone who was not a member found their way in. The walls were paneled wood, the floor covered with the same carpet as the outer room. An empty book cart took up a third of the space. Turning to her right, she examined the panels. Numbers were etched into the wood, seemingly at random.

The Grand Master’s instructions said she was to open box thirty-one. Pressing her finger against the number, she felt a click. When she pulled her hand back, a small tray popped out of the wall. Reaching in, she retrieved a key and a piece of paper.

You’ll find garments in Room C. Right hand corridor.

Wait until you hear the bell.

-Grand Master

The note was written by hand. Carly shivered a little. The Grand Master was the head of the Trinity Masters and a man of unspeakable power and influence. No one knew who he was, though there were plenty of rumors. At the Trinity Masters annual gatherings, meetings hidden inside library benefit galas, Carly had done her share of gossiping about who he might be.

Now she wasn’t curious, she was afraid.

Note and key in hand, she moved the cart out of the way and—with another push—opened the door hidden in the back wall. It revealed a narrow elevator. When she pressed the button, the door opened and Carly stepped in. She took a moment to gather herself as the small elevator took her down to the sub-basement. When it stopped and the door slid to the side, she bit the inside of her cheek to center herself.

A long marble hallway stretched out in front of her. Columns supported the double-high arched ceiling, which was a smaller replica of the grand hallway above. Her footsteps rang as she made her way along the hall, the sound bouncing off the walls to echo down to the grand double doors at the far end. There were no books here to muffle the sound. At the midway point, there were openings in the walls, one to the right, another to the left. She’d been down the left hallway before. There were changing rooms there, elegant as the locker rooms in a fancy spa. For ceremonies, all members wore robes to protect their identities, and those with the most need for secrecy had private dressing rooms.

As she turned right, she wondered if that was where she was going—to a private dressing room. Now that she had been called to the altar by the Grand Master, she supposed she’d earned a private dressing room.

After all, she was about to meet her husbands.

Or maybe it would be husband and wife.

Her hands shook, and it took her a few tries to get the key into the lock on Room C. Once in, she found a small, but well-appointed room. A white robe waited on a hook. Normally they wore gray.

Setting her purse on the vanity, she touched the robe. “It’s like a wedding dress,” she whispered to herself.

It would be the only wedding dress she’d ever wear.

In exchange for the Trinity Masters’ help, she’d given up her future, specifically her choice of whom she would marry.

Throughout history, the world had been secretly controlled by relationships that defied societal standards. Some of those relationships had come to light, the most famous of which had been Vice-Admiral Horatio Lord Nelson, who’d been in a relationship with Lady Emma Hamilton and Sir William Hamilton. The gossip papers of the nineteenth century had called it an affair between Lady Emma and Lord Nelson, but it had been so much more. The three-way union between them had helped end the Napoleonic Wars, and both Emma and William had mourned Lord Nelson after his death.

The Trinity Masters believed that when three people were united, it created a bond far stronger than the pedestrian two-person marriage, and that these triads—if made between those with power and intellect—had the capability to change the world.

Carly slid out of her clothes, leaving on the corset-bra, panties and garter set she’d bought especially for today. She closed her eyes, trying to still her nerves.

She’d joined the Trinity Masters at nineteen, when the idea of some crazy secret ménage marriage had seemed exciting, elicit. In her twenties, she’d enjoyed herself, knowing there was no need for her to worry about falling in love or getting married. By the time she was twenty-eight and her friends were married, some expecting children, she finally understood what she’d really given up in her quest for success.

However, the consequences of crossing the Trinity Masters were too dire to contemplate, and so here she was, waiting to meet the people she’d share the rest of her life with. That thought sent another shard of panic through her before she beat it down.

She checked her hair and makeup in the mirror, then raised the hood and tugged the chain out from under the robe so it lay on her chest in plain sight, the triangle glinting in the low light. Carly had never shirked from a challenge…or a commitment. She wouldn’t begin now.

Taking a seat on a velvet chair, she breathed deeply, trying to calm herself.

A bell rang, the deep sound vibrating through her. She looked up as a door in the wall opposite where she sat opened.

Rising to her feet, Carly threw back her shoulders, lifted her head and walked through.

Elemental Pleasure

Trinity Masters, book 1

There is passion and power in three…

When Carly Kenan joined the secretive Trinity Masters in college, she knew that she’d have to pay. That day has come. Returning to Boston, Carly meets former Marine Lance Glassco, a mathematician for DARPA, and Preston Kim, a celebrated chemist. Though on the surface they have nothing in common, it’s clear the Grand Master thinks that together the three of them can do something amazing. And that’s why he’s declared that Carly, Lance and Preston must unite. In a ménage.

Tempers flare as they struggle to understand each other, but their physical attraction is explosive, and the sex leaves all of them begging for more. Pushed beyond her limits, Carly runs from Lance and Preston. What she doesn’t understand is that she now belongs to them, body and soul…and they belong to her. When Lance uncovers a dangerous crime at Preston’s company, Carly is caught in the crossfire and the struggling lovers are forced to move beyond desire…to trust.

The Trinity Masters have the power to make careers and change lives, but there’s a price. Members know that the day will come when the Grand Master will select them, and pair them with two others. For the Trinity Masters the strongest bond isn’t a pair, but a threesome.

Elemental Pleasure is available at Amazon, Barnes and Noble and Smashwords.

Primal Passion

Trinity Masters, book 2

An FBI agent. A wealthy CEO. A virgin scientist.

Deni Parker thinks she’s got it all figured out. At the cutting edge of science, she has little time for anything but work. Luckily she doesn’t have to bother with dating because she’s a member of the Trinity Masters—a secret society that has not only helped her career, but which will identify the two people she’ll spend the rest of her life with in an arranged ménage marriage.  When her invitation to the introduction ceremony is delivered—years ahead of what she expected—by the very intimidating, and far too handsome, Price Bennett, Deni’s more than a little unprepared.

Price didn’t join the Trinity Masters to play messenger. As CEO of a major security firm and heir to one of the largest fortunes in the world, he’s annoyed when the Grand Master orders him to transport the disorganized, virgin scientist to the ceremony to meet her partners. It’s only when they arrive that Price realizes he isn’t a messenger—he’s been matched with Deni.

FBI Agent Gunner Wells has been in love with Deni for years, but he’s resisted giving in to his attraction. When he arrives at his introduction ceremony, he’s delighted to discover Deni is not only a member of the secret society, but one of his partners…along with billionaire playboy, Price Bennett.

Their strong personalities clash—in the bedroom and out of it—but Price and Gunner have to put aside their overprotectiveness, and Deni must put aside her pride, when someone tries to stop her research—with deadly methods.

Primal Passion is available at Smashwords, Amazon, Barnes and Noble and ARe.

Scorching Desire

Trinity Masters, Book 3

A reformed spy. A respectable lawyer. A renowned playboy.
When Damon Corzo is blackmailed it’s not just his career that’s in jeopardy, but the Trinity Masters—America’s oldest and most powerful secret society. He and fellow member Marco Polin, a world famous playboy musician, enjoy sharing women, a secret that until now they’ve kept quiet.

Tasha Kasharin, the reformed spy sent to help them, knows this is more than simple blackmail. Marco and Damon’s lives are in jeopardy. She ignores her increasingly vivid fantasies about being part of a trinity with them until their investigation is interrupted by the Grand Master, who calls them to the altar and binds them in a menage marriage.

The men must trust their futures to the unexpectedly innocent woman who’s now their wife, while dealing with the change in their own relationship, and the complicated feelings that come with it.  Blackmail escalates to violence, and they’ll have to trust and accept one another if they’re going to survive.

Available at Amazon, Barnes and Noble and Smashwords.

For today’s question, simply tell me…if you could enter into a menage relationship with anyone in the world, who would it be? Comment below and I’ll choose one reader who will win their choice of one of the Trinity Masters’ books. And don’t forget to check out the rafflecopter link to enter the grand prize drawing.

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Wolf Quest

Whew baby. Bianca D’Arc has written a book sure to spice up your holidays! She’s back and better than ever with the next book in her Brotherhood of Blood series, Wolf Quest.

Love and magic lie at the heart of this storm…as well as a whole lot of danger.

Brotherhood of Blood, Book 7

When Major Jesse Moore, brother to the Wyoming Pack Alpha, is sent to Iowa to check on his sister-in-law’s cousin, knocking politely isn’t an option. Sounds of a struggle send him storming into her kitchen—where he finds anything but a damsel in distress. The tiny human woman knows how to handle herself in a fight, and all Jesse’s senses shout she’s his mate.

Exotic-animal vet, Maria Garibaldi has never trusted the magic her aunt and grandmother claim is her birthright. She’s always known about the Others, but she had no idea she was also part of their world. When Maria sets out with Jesse to find the parents of a young grizzly shifter she found and treated, she learns the meaning of temptation in the form of the ex-Special Forces soldier.

As passion flares, the trail leads them toward the eye of a massive storm…where an unspeakable evil awaits the right moment to destroy the good in the magical world.

Product Warnings

Things get explicit when a werewolf wants his mate and he doesn’t care where they are. Outdoors, indoors, wherever and whenever—never get between a wolf and his woman.

Excerpt:

Jesse kicked the door in and found what he’d expected, though not exactly the scenario he’d anticipated. There was a struggle going on all right, but the two men attacking the young lovely in her nightgown were definitely on the defensive. One was already out cold, slumped against the far wall, while the other was face down on the kitchen floor, his arm twisted behind him in what had to be an excruciating position. The woman crouching over his back had a fierce expression on her lovely face and her dark hair flipped out to the side almost in slow motion as she turned her head to look at Jesse.

“What do you want?” She couldn’t have growled any better if she’d been a female werewolf in half-shifted battle form.

The thought made Jesse grin as he aimed his weapon at the ground, away from her.

“We thought you might need some help, but I see you have matters in hand here.”

“We?” she asked, arching one eyebrow as she pulled the man’s arm a little tighter. The guy grunted in pain but she wasn’t letting up.

Jesse gave the signal over his tactical radio and the rest of the team appeared in the hall leading to the kitchen. The woman would be able to see them if she looked up, but the dude on the ground with his cheek pressed into the linoleum wouldn’t. Jesse gestured toward the hall with his eyes, hoping she’d get the message.

Wonder of wonders, she did. This girl was on the ball. Of course, he shouldn’t have expected anything less from Sally’s cousin. His brother’s new wife had already proven to be more than a match for a male Alpha werewolf.

And Jesse was definitely Alpha. And male. And a werewolf.

All his senses were standing on end in the gorgeous female’s presence. A bare hint of her scent wafted to him and his hormones raged.

Whoa. Down boy.

“Ma’am…” Jesse made himself get back to business. “We’ve been pursuing these boys. They’re wanted in connection with a kidnapping in Wyoming. I’m sorry we had to barge into your home, but I thought you might need assistance. As team leader, I take full responsibility, and I promise we’ll repair any damage our entry may have caused.” He glanced significantly back at the kitchen door. It was badly splintered and still swinging slightly on its hinges.

She didn’t ease off the man on the floor. “Look, buddy, I don’t know you. For all I know you could be working for these guys, just waiting for me to let this one go.”

“While I applaud your caution, in this instance it’s misplaced. If you’ll allow me?” He didn’t wait for an answer before pulling a dart gun from the holster on his thigh and plugging the struggling man with sleep juice.

She didn’t even have time to blink, which was a good thing. Jesse sure as hell didn’t want to tranq her by mistake. Oh, no. He wanted her awake and spitting at him. He wanted the chance to try to gentle her. To woo her.

Woo her? Where the hell had that come from? Damn. She was every bit as attractive as her cousin and twice as alluring to Jesse’s senses. He’d thought his brother was a lucky man when he’d found Sally, but the mild envy he’d felt had nothing on the downright possessive streak that stirred in him at seeing Maria Garibaldi in her nightdress.

The dude under her went slack as the fast-acting drug kicked in.

“What did you just do?” she accused, outrage in her silky voice. Damn. He could listen to her for hours and never tire.

This thought from a man who found most women intensely annoying when they started to chatter? He was in trouble. Big trouble.

“He’ll wake in a few hours. I figured you wouldn’t mind since you knocked the other one out cold.” He glanced at the other man, still slumped against the wall. Signaling his men to enter the kitchen, he stepped closer to Maria. “We’ll take these guys off your hands, ma’am.”

Maria stood faster than he would have credited as he stepped forward. She was really quick for a human. Maybe her alleged magical ancestry gave her some physical advantages.

“You can have them, but I’m not going anywhere. And you can think again if you expect me to agree to anything else you may have in mind.”

He holstered the dart gun and held his hands out, palms up in the intergalactic gesture of I come in peace.

“We mean you no harm, Maria.” Her chin jerked up defiantly when he used her first name. “It’s okay. We really have been following these guys for a couple of weeks. Two of their friends kidnapped a young boy in Wyoming. We got those two, but these guys have been leading us cross-country.”

Arlo and Len had secured the unconscious man’s wrists and feet with zip ties. They’d also disarmed him while Jesse had been talking. Maria had been splitting her attention between them and Jesse for the past minute or more. She was like a caged animal, ready to strike and unsure what was coming next. He had to calm her down but he wasn’t sure how.

“Why here?” she whispered. “Why me?”

Now there was a question. Jesse paused. He wasn’t sure how much she knew about the magical world around her. She might be like her cousin Sally, who had been completely unaware of the weres, bloodletters and other kinds of magical beings living alongside the human population. Or she might know a lot more than Sally had. He’d noticed a couple of low-level wardings in Maria’s backyard. Nothing that could stop a werewolf of course, but enough to let a magic user know that someone was trespassing on their land.

“Do you know what I am?” Jesse tested the waters.

To his amazement, she sniffed in his direction. That wasn’t something a human would do. She looked at the man on the floor before speaking as if to make certain he was fully asleep.

“Were?” She didn’t seem too sure of her answer.

Jesse grinned at her, letting her see the slightly sharper teeth of the predator.

Seven Minutes in Heaven

Rhian Cahill has a great new book coming out on Tuesday. Seven Minutes in Heaven is here just in time to heat up your holidays!

It’s all fun and games until their hearts are on the line.

Are You Game? Book 1

Cassandra Moreland’s hard work to build her party-planning business is starting to pay off. There’s only one thorn in her side—a six-foot-five wall of testosterone throwing his weight around while she supervises her friend Lil’s first party. Butting heads doesn’t work. Ignoring him really doesn’t work. Not when he makes her pulse race and her palms sweat. But no way will she give in to his demand to shut the rowdy party down.

Lucas Wilhelm, head of McDermott Security, can’t believe the pint-sized brunette has the balls to go toe-to-toe with him. Strangely enough, that sassy mouth of hers isn’t ticking him off. It’s tightening his groin and stirring something much hotter than anger.

A stolen moment in a pantry leads to a challenge that pushes each other’s sexual boundaries to the limit. Except the rules go up in flames when they realize they’re not just playing around. They’re playing for keeps.

Product Warnings

Contains an alpha male who’s used to being in charge, and a tough-as-steel woman who isn’t going down easy. Involves the use of beads, but not in the way you might think.

Excerpt:

Luc relaxed the muscles in his arms and did the one thing he really didn’t want to. He set Cassie on her feet. Whoever had been hammering on the door had stopped, but the damage was done. Regret was written all over her pretty face. Scrubbing a hand over his stubbled jaw, he drew in a deep breath and let it out slowly.

“Luc,” he said

Cassie’s gaze met his, one delicate eyebrow arched.

“My name. It’s Lucas Wilhelm. I’m head of McDermott Security, a position I’ve held for ten years.” Luc added the last part in the hope of reassuring her.

“Oh. Um, well…” She lowered her eyes, hiding the uncertainty swirling in their honey-coloured depths.

Placing two fingers under her chin, he tipped her head back until her gaze met his once more. “Don’t back down now, Cass. Where’s the woman who’s fought me for control for the last couple of hours gone?”

She shook her head, dislodging his fingers. “She just had common sense kissed right out of her.”

The small smile tugging at the corner of her mouth pulled at his gut and eased his mind. He hadn’t been sure at first, but now he didn’t doubt she’d bounce back from their mind-numbing lip-lock. Luc had expected they’d be explosive, he just hadn’t realised how unstable their chemistry was. He’d have to keep his hands off her until they were in more suitable surroundings or they’d find themselves sans clothes. There was one sure-fire way to keep her at a distance though. Strip her of control.

“As of now, this party is over.”

“What?” Her eyes narrowed to slits.

If looks could kill, the one she aimed his way would slice him to ribbons, and Luc figured she’d used it to de-ball many a man before him. Good thing he’d spent years developing a tough exterior. Although she’d found a way under his skin already, he wasn’t about to cower beneath her hostile stare. Luc embraced the hum in his veins. The zap delivered courtesy of her returning ballsy attitude. He’d never gone looking for a fight. Sure he’d been in plenty, but he’d never started one. Except now. With Cassie. And there was no denying the thrill thrumming in his blood. He was more than looking forward to their combat. He was eager for it to begin.

“As you can hear, there’s no longer music blasting through the house and that’s thanks to Lachlan McDermott ripping out power cables. If I were you, I wouldn’t be surprised when your DJ files a damage report and insurance claim.” Luc smiled as a growl rumbled in her throat. He’d never heard that particular sound from a woman, and he’d certainly never found it a turn on coming from any man, but there was no mistaking the tightening of his sac or the hardening of his erection.

“Damn men.” Cassie shoved passed him and flung open the door, using it to push him out of the way.

Before he got his head in gear and made it out from behind the door, she’d disappeared into the kitchen. With long strides, Luc followed only to witness her sexy arse vanish through the far doorway. Covering the distance in seconds, he found his men doing as he’d ordered. Between them and Cassie’s staff, the guests were quickly being ushered from the house in a tidal wave of drunkenness. His search for Cassie was hindered by the surge of bodies moving towards the front door, with his chances to spot her zero he let himself be swept up in the tide. When he reached the front yard, hire cars and drivers lined the street. Inebriated partiers tumbled into backseats, car doors slammed and departing vehicles were quickly swallowed up by the night.

With the party down to the last few stragglers, he turned back to the house determined to find Cassie while his men dealt with the remaining guests. He found her back in the kitchen. Leaning his shoulder against the doorframe, he folded his arms, crossed one ankle over the other and watched as she gave orders while packing box after box with glasses. The image of efficiency, her movements were economical and fluid, her speed and accuracy proving she’d done this a thousand times before. Luc relaxed and enjoyed the view. His pants grew snug and he had to shift his stance to alleviate the pressure.

Unforgettable Summer

The unforgettable Sami Lee has a new release, Unforgettable Summer, out today and it’s a hot one!

Catching the one that got away could be the ultimate ride.



Wild Crush, Book 1

Champion surfer Ty Butler is living the dream—a great career, a globe-trotting lifestyle, and his pick of women. Then a visit to his hometown forces him to face Summer Campbell.

A decade on, she still gives him an adrenaline rush to beat the biggest waves. She’s also as unavailable as ever, or so he thinks. When the truth comes out, Ty decides it’s time to lay old ghosts to rest—and lay Summer flat out in bed.

Ten years ago Summer committed the ultimate sin by falling for her sister’s boyfriend. She rejected Ty’s love out of duty, even marrying another man in an attempt to move on. An attempt that failed. She never forgot Ty—or the havoc loving him wreaked in her life.

Her body wants to finish what they started long ago. Her head tells her she can indulge in a wicked affair with no regrets. But when the pro-surfing tour inevitably calls him away, her heart could crumble like a sandcastle beneath his feet.

Product Warnings

Book contains hot sex with a hot surfer. Might warm your heart and heat up a few other parts, as well. Might even inspire you to chuck it all in and chase the endless summer.

Reviews:

“The first book in the ‘Wild Crush’ series is sure to warm up any reader’s chilly fall evening. Both the passion and emotion here are stellar!”

- Library Journal, starred review

Excerpt:

Ty hooked an arm over the back of his chair, assessing her from his seated position. “Hello, Summer. I thought that was you I saw the other day.”

The implication that he might have been unsure of her identity when she’d been instantly certain of his increased Summer’s discomfiture. “Ty, what are you doing here?”

Ty lifted his cup and drawled, “Grabbing some coffee.”

He might as well have said, asinine question, woman. Summer’s mortification intensified. “I suppose I meant here in Leyton’s Headland.”

“Back for a visit.”

He didn’t say he was planning to buy a house and move back to his hometown, but for all Summer knew he simply didn’t feel like telling her his business. He’d definitely been interested in real estate when she’d seen him.

“I see.” She looked at the staff working behind the counter, recognizing from the small crowd of people hovering that they had several orders to fill. How long before hers was done?

“Do you need somewhere to sit while you wait for your drink?”

Turning back to face Ty, Summer saw the way his brow kicked up and wondered if he found her inept attempts at conversation amusing. What had happened to all those cool lines she’d secretly rehearsed over the years? Part of her had wanted, if she’d ever seen Ty again, to appear aloof and sophisticated, as though she wasn’t still occasionally haunted by thoughts of him and what might have been.

Seeing no way of refusing his offer without looking ridiculous for standing right next to his table instead of sitting at it, Summer murmured a thank-you and took the seat opposite him. After an awkward silence during which Ty eyed her over the rim of his coffee mug, he remarked, “It’s been a long time.”

Summer forced herself to let out a breath. “It has. Ten years I think.”

“How have you been?”

“Fine.” Summer gave the standard response, hardly able, or willing, to condense the last decade into a five-minute conversation. “Not as well as you from what I hear.”

Summer almost winced when Ty’s brows hiked. “What is it you’ve heard?”

“Oh, only the sound bites. You’ve won the world title three times, scored several high-profile sponsorship deals and dated as many models as you’ve caught waves.”

Ty laughed. “That’s an exaggeration. Only a couple of my sponsorship deals are high profile.”

Ignoring his deliberate insinuation that the stories of his dating history were not inflated, Summer noted, “You’ve done well for yourself.” She’d always known he would. That his skill and personality were too big for a place like Leyton’s Headland, that they would take him places far away from here. Far away from her.

Ty merely lifted a careless shoulder in response. “So have you. Your own business and all.”

Summer tried to ignore the strange thrill she experienced because he’d noticed that achievement. “I’m a naturopath now.”

“Naturopathy. I bet your dad’s impressed.”

“You mean Dr. Rex Campbell, purveyor of all things western medicine? I think he’s finally taken the attitude that when it comes to his daughters, things could be worse.”

“Sounds like glowing praise.”

Summer shrugged at Ty’s drawled comment. What could she say about her dad? He was a demanding man who had expected his children to make full use of the educational opportunities afforded them. While he didn’t exactly think practicing herbal “mumbo jumbo” was making full use, he’d finally stopped verbalizing his thoughts on the issue. “Dad remarried last year. Dianne is a psychologist with two sons, both very successful in finance. He’s relaxed a bit with me and Jasmine, now that he has the sons he always wanted.”

Summer had meant the remark as an offhand joke, but Ty’s frown made her fear it had come out sounding bitter. Remorse niggled. She had no wish to malign her father, he’d done the best he could with the hand he’d been dealt when Joy Campbell died. He’d never asked to be a sole parent any more than Summer had asked to lose her mother.

“My dad loves me.” Summer felt the need to come to Rex Campbell’s defense. “Everything he’s done has been because he wants what’s best for me.”

Including making sure she didn’t throw her life away on a nomadic type like Ty Butler. The derisive turn of Ty’s lips made Summer wonder if he had made the same connection between her statement and what happened in the past. If so, he didn’t say. Instead he steered the conversation away from her family altogether. “So what do you do at the clinic?”

“Everything from aromatherapy to acupuncture.” Summer relaxed a fraction at the change of subject. She’d decided to study naturopathy despite the fact Duncan had shared her father’s disdain for the practice. After the divorce, it had given her something to focus on, to work toward. Now, she was proud of her job and the business she’d built all by herself. “I do sports massage too. I’ve treated your mother a few times.”

“Yeah, she’s still doing those triathlons. Not bad for an old bird.”

“I’ll tell her you called her that next time she comes in.”

“No you won’t.”

His smile was knowing, and Summer bristled. Okay so clearly Ty was making an affectionate joke and there was no way Summer would repeat it to his mother, but she didn’t much appreciate that he seemed so certain of how she’d behave. She wasn’t that predictable.

“Here’s your chai latte and cookie, Summer.”

Having apparently noticed her involved in conversation, Patrice chose that moment to appear at the table, delivering Summer’s order instead of having her pick it up. Summer’s regular order, the one all the cafe staff knew by heart. Not predictable, eh, Summer?

Smiling a thank-you, Summer silently cursed the missed opportunity to make her exit when her order was called out. It would have been the perfect excuse to leave the table, depart the cafe altogether so she could catch her breath. Instead she was still sitting here, part of her jittery with the urge to flee while her pride told her not to give away how strangely nervous she actually was.

For God’s sake, why are you nervous? Summer was dismayed to discover being in Ty Butler’s presence still had the power to do peculiar things to her heartbeat. Dismayed and…oddly relieved.

You’re divorced, not dead. The line Penny had delivered more than once echoed in her head. Summer had never told her employee how her flippant words saddened her, made her mind careen away from a truth she didn’t want to acknowledge. For a long time it had felt like a part of her had died somewhere along the way, the part that could still be physically affected by a man’s presence. The part of her that could still be exhilarated by anything.

She wasn’t miserable by any stretch of the imagination. But if she ever took time to examine her life, Summer couldn’t say she was exactly happy either.

“This is weirder than I thought it would be.”

Ty’s rueful statement made Summer lift her gaze from where it had been fixed on the plastic lid of her takeaway cup. Her eyes connected with Ty’s, making Summer aware she had been avoiding direct eye contact since she’d first seen him sitting in the cafe. Now, she forced herself to hold Ty’s gaze. That unexpected spike in her heart rate occurred again. She had once known those whiskey-hued eyes so well, and for a fleeting moment she was transported back in time, to those months of teenage longing and anguish.

And the lust. Dear God, the lust. A remnant of it passed through her like a ghost, sending tingles up her spine before common sense returned and Summer forcibly tamped the reaction down. His eyes were the same, but so many other things about him were different. The careless stubble that graced his jaw, the hard lines of his mouth that lent a sardonic edge to his smile. His shoulders and arms were more solid, more roped with muscle. He was more of everything, like nature had taken the boy he used to be and multiplied his physicality, his persona, by a thousand, creating a man who was both innately congenial and overtly intimidating at once.